- How do I schedule an appointment at the Penn Medicine Blood Donation Center?
- There are two ways to schedule an appointment to give blood at the Penn Medicine Blood Donation Center:
- Schedule a blood donation online
- Call 1-800-789-PENN (7366).
- Are walk-in appointments accepted?
Yes, walk-in appointments are welcome and will be accommodated as quickly as possible.
- Can I catch something while donating?
A new, sterile needle is used for each donor and then safely discarded. It is not possible to get an infectious disease from donating blood.
- Will I feel weak?
If you are at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds, you can safely donate blood. The body has about two pints of blood for every 25 pounds. Most people can resume their normal activities after donating blood.
- How long does it take?
After the interview process is completed, traditional whole blood donation takes 7 to 10 minutes. Donation by apheresis allows for the collection of multiple blood products from the same donor at once – this can take up to two hours.
- Will it hurt?
The actual drawing of blood does not cause pain. Donors may experience a slight pinch when the needle is inserted.
- Isn’t there already enough blood?
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) uses over 60,000 blood components every year. Shortages of certain blood types are common. HUP physicians and staff depend on the generosity of blood donors in order to care for patients.
- Can I donate blood for a friend or relative who is a patient at HUP?
You can designate a recipient for your donation provided your blood types are compatible and the patient and his/her physician provides us with the request. Contact the donation center at 215-614-0406 for additional details.
