Blood Donation Procedure
The Blood Donation Procedure is quite simple. Below are photos with in-depth information to walk you through every step. Sometimes tourists and short-term visitors may not be able to donate blood.
Important update: Chiang Mai's main Red Cross Blood Donation Centre is now accepting donors from the United Kingdom, France and Ireland. No more variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease "mad cow disease" restrictions. Mobile units, unless specifically requested, are not accepting donors.
Just follow these steps and photos to walk you through the process at the main donation center on the map. Walk past this building and down to the entrance below.
When you enter you will be somewhere near here. Head over to the red sign and find your forms.
Here are the forms you need, kept on the right-hand side of the two receptacles. Complete both sides and move to the next section where you will be registered into the system and do the pre-check.
After registration you will have a quick interview with a nurse in area 4. Your answers will be checked again and you will have the finger prick test to see if you have enough iron to donate. After this, please grab another glass or two of water.
Here comes the useful and semi-scary part. The lovely staff will assist you and try to make having a needle placed in your arm as painless as possible. You get to choose which arm you will use and you get a nice comfortable chair for your 10-minute donation.
The nurses will simply do their thing and you will be entertained by the TV soaps on screen, or by watching all the other legends donating alongside you. After 5 to 10 minutes they will have collected 450ml, which is under 10 percent of your total blood amount. Don't worry, they cannot over-collect, so you will be fine.
Thanks for completing your donation today. You are a hero! Just be careful as you first stand up. Please take your time as you may feel a little lighter on your feet.
You will carefully make your way across to the rest and recovery area, where you can grab a cold drink, a snack, and whatever else they have available that day. After donating, please look after yourself and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise involving your donation arm, as bruising may occur.
There are some restrictions for donors over 55. Please have a look here to see if you can help save lives today. More detail about the blood donation procedure can be found at the Red Cross eligibility page.
Key Takeaways
The full blood donation process at Chiang Mai Red Cross takes around 60 minutes. You donate 450ml, under 10% of your total blood volume. UK, French, and Irish donors are now accepted at the main centre. Mobile units are not currently accepting donors. No heavy lifting on the donation arm afterwards. Check eligibility if you are over 55.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does donating blood take at Chiang Mai Red Cross?
Around 60 minutes from arrival to leaving the recovery area. The actual donation takes 5 to 10 minutes. The rest of the time is registration, screening tests, and post-donation recovery with snacks and drinks.
Can UK, French, and Irish donors give blood in Chiang Mai?
Yes. The main Red Cross Blood Donation Centre now accepts donors from the UK, France, and Ireland. The previous vCJD restrictions have been lifted. Mobile units are not currently accepting donors.
How much blood do you donate?
450ml, which is under 10% of your total blood volume. This amount is safe for healthy adults. The nurses monitor the collection and cannot over-collect. Your body replaces plasma within 24 hours and red blood cells within a few weeks.
What happens after I donate blood?
You move to the recovery area for cold drinks and snacks. Take your time standing up as you may feel slightly lightheaded. Avoid heavy lifting on the donation arm for the rest of the day.
Are there restrictions for donors over 55?
Yes. Additional restrictions apply for donors over 55. Check the Red Cross eligibility guide for specific age-related requirements before visiting.
Guru Tip
Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. The centre is quieter mid-week. Drink at least 500ml of water before arriving. Being well-hydrated makes the donation faster and recovery easier. Eat a light meal beforehand. Do not donate on an empty stomach.
