The UCSF Blood Center was established in 1988 to provide UCSF's patients with safe and screened blood products through a variety of blood donor programs. UCSF uses more than 50,000 blood components annually, which translates to 100 each day. The need for blood is great and volunteers are encouraged to visit the Blood Center to donate blood.
Make a blood donation. No appointment is needed.
Healthy blood is essential to our body's functions and to supporting and maintaining our body's tissues. Blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. There are certain situations when a person needs to receive a blood transfusion, which are typically performed to replace red blood cells that carry oxygen. These situations include:
The UCSF Blood Center also has a mobile van that is available for large-scale donations for specific patients as well as general blood drives that can be arranged in your community. Please call the Blood Center for more information on scheduling mobile blood drives.
Blood Center
500 Parnassus Ave., Level I, Room MU09
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone: (415) 353-1809
Fax: (415) 353-8605
Hours: Monday to Friday
8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday
9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Last updated December 21, 2011
The UCSF Blood Center offers a number of blood donation programs for UCSF's patients and the donor community. These include:
All potential donors must undergo a screening process before donating. Medical history, medications, travel history and blood count are reviewed in donor selection. Donated blood is typed and tested for evidence of infection before released for use. A "crossmatch," or final check, is performed with the recipients' blood before the transfusion.
We advise all potential donors to answer screening and health questions carefully, to ensure the safety of the blood.
Patients at UCSF — Your doctor begins the process by placing an "order" with the UCSF Blood Center for blood to be drawn. You or your designated donor(s) then may drop in at the Blood Center when convenient. Blood donated at UCSF will be ready for transfusion three working days after donation. This allows for all processing and testing performed on the unit of blood to ensure its safety.
Other Donors — Blood donations are conducted on a drop-in basis, with the exception of platelet donations. Platelet donors must first be evaluated and approved for donation. Approved platelet donors then may make an appointment for this more intensive donation process.
You may be able to donate blood at your community blood bank for your use at UCSF. However, it takes more time and there may be processing and transfer charges by the blood bank performing the blood draw. Talk to your local blood bank about their policies and guidelines. You can confirm receipt of blood drawn elsewhere and transferred to UCSF for your use by calling the Blood Availability Line at (888) 226-8806.
The actual blood donation takes five to 10 minutes. The entire process takes 30 minutes, including registration and screening. Platelet donation takes two hours.
There is very little discomfort in donating. The UCSF Blood Center staff takes precautions before, during and after your donation to ensure your safety. Our staff will monitor your condition throughout the donation process for any signs of dizziness or light-headedness. All donors are asked to remain seated after their donation to rest and have some refreshments. Eating a low-fat meal within four hours before donating also is recommended.
All blood transfused at UCSF, whether donated at UCSF or at another blood center, must meet the donor eligibility requirements established by the State of California, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Association of Blood Banks. All donated units of blood are tested for evidence of viral or bacterial infections transmitted by blood. These include:
All donors are screened and donor blood tested.
Possible adverse reactions to a blood product include:
