FAQs

Where can I donate?

The DeGowin Blood Center is located at C250 GH in University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Call 319-356-2058 to schedule an appointment.

Are you open evenings or on the weekend?

Beginning October 8, 2007 the DeGowin Blood Center hours will be changing to:

7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, and Friday
9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday

DeGowin will be closed on weekends. The exception to this is that we will be open for 1 day of donor collections on holiday weekends.

How long does it take?

The whole blood donation process only takes about 45 minutes.

It takes approximately one to two hours to donate platelets

Who will use the blood that I donate?

All blood donated at the DeGowin Blood Center or at a DeGowin mobile blood drive benefits patients at UI Hospitals and Clinics. Cancer patients, surgical patients, premature infants, people being treated for accident and trauma, recipients of marrow and organ transplants, and patients with diseases such as sickle cell anemia and hemophilia all depend on donated blood as part of their care.

Can anyone donate?

Generally, anyone can donate blood if they:

• Are at least 17 years old
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Have been symptom free of colds and flu for five days
• Pass a brief mini-physical and medical history inquiry

If I have questions about my eligibility to donate, who can I contact?

Call 319-356-2058 or e-mail laura-collins@uiowa.edu.

How often can I donate?

You can donate whole blood every eight weeks or platelets every four weeks.

Is it safe?

Yes, donating is a simple and safe procedure. Every time an individual gives blood, a new needle and all new tubing are used and discarded. There is no risk of getting an infectious disease such as HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis from donating blood.

Can you get West Nile Virus from being a blood donor?

No. It is not possible for a person to get West Nile Virus or any other infections disease from donating blood.

How do you get West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito.

How is the DeGowin Blood Center protecting the blood supply from the West Nile Virus?

As always, we do not allow people with flu-like symptoms to donate blood. In addition, we are paying close attention to those donors who have had an elevated fever, flu-like symptoms, or have participated in activities that are likely to put them at risk to be exposed to West Nile Virus.

Should someone needing a blood transfusion be concerned?

A person who has been infected with the West Nile Virus carries the infection in their body for only a week or so. There is no chronic carrier state such as occurs with HIV or hepatitis C. During the short time that a donor may feel ill (no matter for what reason) they would be deferred from donating blood. Therefore, the chances of West Nile Virus being transmitted by a blood transfusion are very small. The benefits of any transfusion far outweigh the risks.

Is the UI DeGowin Blood Center accredited?

The DeGowin Blood Center is registered with the Food and Drug Administration and accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks and the College of American Pathologists.