Blood Donation Process

How long does it take to donate blood?

Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. The donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about 15 minutes. The donation itself is only about 2-5 minutes on average.

Where and at what times can I donate blood?

Blood donation can be taken at the laboratory in the Dr. D.Orlando Smith hospital between Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.The hospital lab is currently the only facility that can process blood donations.

How often can I donate blood?

You are eligible to donate blood once every 8 weeks for male donors and 12 weeks for female donors. You should always keep a record of your blood donation history as a reference.

Do I need to make an appointment to donate blood?

No appointment is required to donate blood. It is always advisable to call the lab beforehand to inquire if there is a need for blood.

Who can donate blood?

Anyone between the ages of 18-65, is in good health, has not had a tattoo in the last six months, or is not pregnant or has given birth in the last 6 months is eligible to donate. Additional screening and eligibility requirements may be needed in special circumstances.

Blood Donations and COVID-19

How long after transmission can I donate blood?

You must be fully recovered from COVID-19 and symptom-free for a least 10 days before donating blood. If you have had a positive diagnostic test in the past 10 days for COVID-19 but didn’t have symptoms, you will need to wait 10 days after the COVID-19 test.

Can I donate blood after receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine?

You may still donate blood after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine is important in determining your blood donation eligibility.

I am fully vaccinated but still have symptoms. Should I donate?

Regardless of the type of vaccine or booster an individual receives, all donors must be symptom-free and feeling well at the time of donation.

Is it safe to accept blood from Vaccinated donors?

With COVID-19 vaccines, the mRNA or viral-vector vaccine is broken down quickly once it enters the body’s cells and there is no evidence that transfused blood collected from donors who were previously vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine poses any harm to patients. Further, blood donated by individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with a risk to a transfusion recipient of COVID-19 infection, nor will it protect a transfusion recipient from COVID-19 infection.

BVI Red Cross Services

How long does it take the BVIRC to secure a donor for a medical procedure?

There is no standard timeline to guarantee donor availability but we try our best to get donors within 5 business days of your request. Other factors such as blood type and donor availability may lengthen this time period.

Why does the BVIRC collect my information?

All the information we collect is required for our database when you register to become a blood donor. Your information will not be shared with other agencies without your consent.

I want to donate blood but do not know my blood type.

The BVI Red Cross offers blood typing services. You can request this at our office for a donation of $10.00 which is used to replenish our supplies used.

What happens if I am no longer eligible or willing to be a donor?

If you are no longer eligible to donate blood, you should contact the BVIRC so that we may remove you from our list. Additionally, if your contact information changes or you no longer wish to provide this service, you can speak to a BVIRC representative to have your records updated.