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Autologous Blood Donation

If you are interested in donating your blood for an upcoming procedure, the process is as follows:

Your physician must first:

  • Schedule your surgery date. 
  • Complete and sign an Autologous and Directed Donation Order Form.
  • Fax the signed form to the Orange Blood Donor Center at 714-456-8758.

Then you must:

  • After your surgery date has been scheduled and your doctor's order completed and faxed to the Orange donor center, you may schedule your donation appointment by calling 714-456-5433. Please keep in mind that the donor center is only open on Mondays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. We do not accept autologous donors at our Irvine donor center. Autologous donations are by appointment only.
  • You should allow one hour for your appointment.

What is autologous blood donation?

Autologous blood donation is giving blood for your own use for a scheduled procedure or transfusion.

How can I become an autologous donor?

Your physician will discuss the advantages of receiving your own blood and the process of autologous donation with you.

What should I do to prepare for my donation(s)?

To prepare for your donation, you should:

  • Maintain a healthy diet.
  • Drink at least eight glasses of water or juice in the 24 hours prior to each donation.
  • Avoid fatty and fried food for 24 hours prior to your donation.
  • Take an iron supplement to help your body replace the red cells and iron lost during your donation and prevent anemia. An information sheet about iron will be provided to you at the time of your donation.

How far in advance of my procedure and how many units should I donate?

The number of units you donate depends on the type and date of your procedure, and is ordered by your physician.

You may donate a unit every seven days within 35-42 days of your procedure, up to seven working days prior to your procedure date.

Make an Appointment

714-456-5433

(Orange)