By far, the most common procedure that is carried out at the Donation Area is whole blood collection, as it is the one from which most products are obtained. The donor is greeted at the reception desk and a parking permit is issued. New donors are given a questionnaire to read beforehand in order to prepare themselves for the medical examination. If the donor thinks that there is nothing in the questionnaire that prohibits him / her from donating blood, the donor is registered in the computer database.

Following the registration, the donor is weighed, the haemoglobin (blood level) is checked, a urine analysis (urine testing) is performed and the body temperature is recorded.

Then, the doctor proceeds to medical examination and interview. The questionnaire is discussed and explained in more detail. The donor might be deferred (not allowed to give blood) at this point. It is very important that donors are honest during the medical interview and examination. There exists a high level of confidentiality and privacy in the medical examination. No employee either in the blood transfusion department or in any other department has access to the documentation of the examining doctor except authorised personnel. On passing the medical test the donor can proceed to donating blood.

Before one enters the donation area, the donor is offered a refreshing drink, tea or coffee. A donor who has been without food for some hours is advised to have a light snack, like biscuits or sandwiches, before donating blood. This would prevent unwanted effects like dizziness during blood donation procedure.

Then, the donor goes to the donation area were s/he can lie comfortable on the couch, loosens any tight garments, like belts, and the nurse starts skin disinfection. The needle is inserted and the actual donation should be finished within 5 to 10 minutes. Any strange sensations should be reported immediately to the nurse. When the blood donation is over, the donor is asked to press gently on the punctured site for some minutes.

Finally the donor is offered other refreshments and/or snacks. A brief assessment is carried out by the nurses to confirm that the donor is feeling well and after about 15 minutes the donor may leave. Female donors can donate again after 4months, while male donors can donate after 3 months.