The gift of life: Canadian Blood Services answers frequently asked questions about giving blood 

Dec. 19, 2023

For some people, making a life-saving blood donation is an easy decision. For others, anxiety and uncertainty pulse through their veins.  

To help ease the minds of prospective donors, Marisa Gatfield, a community development manager with Canadian Blood Services and Wilfrid Laurier University’s partnership liaison, answers some common questions about giving blood, the donation process and how blood donations contribute to healthy communities. 

Why is Canadian Blood Services recruiting new donors?  

Blood and blood products are a critical part of everyday medical care in our communities. Patients going through major surgery, medical procedures, cancer treatments, or treatments for various diseases and disorders can require blood – sometimes more than once – so the need is constant. If the demand is constant, then the supply must keep up to meet the demand.

Each year, Canadian Blood Services needs 100,000 new donors to keep Canada’s Lifeline strong. While one in two Canadians are eligible to give blood, only one in 81 do, so we are trying to close the gap between those two statistics. When organizations like Laurier support our Partners for Life program, we can reach new donors, encourage existing donors to keep giving and raise awareness about the critical role blood donors play in the healthcare system. 

Does it hurt to give blood? 

Giving blood is a relatively pain-free experience, but there are two instances when donors may experience some discomfort. The first instance is during the private intake process as our nurses take a small blood sample from your finger to test hemoglobin levels. The second instance is when the needle is administered to collect the blood donation. Both instances are quick pokes and over before you know it.  

How much blood is collected during a donation?  

The standard donation collects approximately 450 millilitres, slightly less than two cups. The average adult has about five litres of blood in their body, so the amount collected during a donation represents a small portion of the blood in a person’s body.  

How long does it take to give blood?  

A blood donation appointment takes about an hour. During that time, you’ll be checked in and review our health and safety protocols. You’ll meet with a nurse who will take your temperature, check your hemoglobin levels and review the answers to your donor eligibility questionnaire. The actual blood donation can take about 10 minutes. Once you’re finished, we ask that you stay in the clinic for about 15 minutes and replenish with a snack and beverage.  

What if I don’t feel well during the appointment? 

Our staff constantly monitor donors during their appointments, so if you’re not feeling well someone is always close by to help you.  

Will I feel weak or tired after my donation?    

Most donors feel great after a donation. We advise donors to prepare for their donations by drinking plenty of water and eating salty snacks ahead of time. This helps to maintain blood volume levels and improve your donation experience. Hydrating and avoiding strenuous activity after the donation process is also recommended.  

How do I book a donation appointment? 

Laurier faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the university are invited to give as members of Laurier’s Partners for Life team. Appointments must be booked online in advance. Donations can be made at any Canadian Blood Services donor centre or mobile clinic in Canada. 

To get started: 

• Review Canadian Blood Services’ updated donor eligibility requirements.
• Complete the online form to join Laurier’s Partners for Life team. You can also download the GiveBlood app from Google Play or the App Store and follow simple instructions to create your account.
• Book your appointment at a location convenient for you through the GiveBlood app or online at blood.ca. 

Canadian Blood Services’ Waterloo clinic is located at 94 Bridgeport Rd. E. and open during the following times: 

• Monday and Wednesday: 2 to 7 p.m.
• Tuesday: 1 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The Waterloo clinic is open Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but closed Dec. 25. Regular hours resume Dec. 26. 

In Brantford, Canadian Blood Services will hold mobile clinics on Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 at Hope Reformed Christian Church, 64 Buchanan Cres. 

How else can I support Canadian Blood Services?  

Champions are always welcome as there are other ways to support Laurier’s partnership with Canadian Blood Services: 

• Raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood by sharing Canadian Blood Services’ content on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
• Volunteer at your local Canadian Blood Services clinic location.
• Join the stem cell registry if you are between the ages of 17 and 35.