Blood Donation Center

at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center

The Blood Donor Center at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center serves the patients, physicians and the hospital community by providing the safest, most technologically advanced blood and blood products of the highest quality.

We adhere to the highest possible medical and technical standards, maintain licensure with the federal and state regulatory agencies, and are accredited by the American College of Pathologists. We promote and encourage blood donation by volunteer donors as a vital civic responsibility and promote the knowledge of transfusion medicine through educational programs.

Why You Should Donate Blood

• Every year more than 4 million people require life-saving blood transfusions. Blood cannot be manufactured nor purchased. The supply relies solely on the generosity of volunteer donors.
• Your blood will save lives during times of critical U.S. shortages that occur with greater frequency with each passing year.
• Every donation helps your friends and loved ones at Saddleback Memorial by providing blood during times of shortage.

How to Donate Blood

1. Please call the Blood Donor Center at Saddleback Memorial to schedule an appointment.
2. Donating blood is safe and easy. You must be healthy without a cold or infection.
3. Each time you donate, your blood pressure, pulse and temperature will be checked.
4. A drop of blood will be taken from your finger to make sure you are not anemic.
5. You will be asked health questions to be sure that blood can be given safely.
6. Donors must be 17 years of age or older and weigh at least 110 pounds.
7. Donors must have had no antibiotics or dental work three days prior to donation and no tattoos or body piercings in the past 12 months.
8. Donors should have a healthy meal and drink fluids within four hours before donating. It is best to avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages before donating.
9. Bring a PHOTO ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is the Blood Donor Center located?
  Inside the main entrance of the hospital on the main floor—across from the Gift Shop and the Atrium.
• How long does the appointment last?
  Please allow one hour for your first appointment, and 45-min for appointments thereafter.
• Is a doctor's order required?
  No. For this type of donation, simply call our Blood Donor Center for an appointment and let us know the name of the patient. We do the rest.
• Once a donation is made when will the blood be available for the patient?
  Three business days. We require Three business days for testing purposes.
• How long will the blood be available for the patient?
  35 days. At that point the blood will be released into the general blood supply – unless otherwise specified. Blood is viable for 42 days.
• Does the donor need to know their blood type or the patient's blood type?
  No. All the blood typing is done by SMMC labs. Our lab specialists will determine if the blood is a match & designate it for the patient.
• What if the blood type does not match?
  The blood is placed into the blood bank for replenishment of blood used. The patient is ALWAYS guaranteed to get the blood he/she needs and the donated blood will be used for other patients.
• How often can a donor donate?
  Donors can donate every 56 days (2-months).