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Donating Blood

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Get ready for your donation with these tips:

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Don't let low iron levels bring you down.

Iron deficiency is the top reason someone may not be able to give on the day of their donation.

View Tips To Boost Iron

You're our type!

Find out what makes your blood type special.
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It's time to donate! Here's what to expect:

Whole blood, red cells, and platelets! Oh my!

Learn about the different types of blood donations.
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Congrats! You're a lifesaver!

You’ve just helped save 3 lives. Take these precautions to avoid any post-donation complications:

  • Have a snack and something to drink in our donor canteen.
  • Rest on the donor bed or canteen for 10-15 minutes before leaving.
  • Avoid smoking for at least 30 minutes after donating.
  • Increase your fluid intake for the next 24-48 hours, but avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
  • Avoid lifting more than you are accustomed to and avoid strenuous activities for the next 6 hours.
  • Eat well and do not skip meals.
  • Leave the bandage on your arm for 4 hours.


Click here for more post-donation information: ENGLISH | SPANISH

For IMMEDIATE ATTENTION regarding a reaction or injury related to your donation, contact the Reaction Hotline: 210-379-0428

Donation FAQs

Q: Why should I donate blood?

South Texas Blood & Tissue needs to collect an adequate blood supply for more than 110 hospitals in 48 South Texas counties. We depend on volunteer blood donors to make this happen. Also, blood is perishable and there is no substitute.

You may donate at any of our nine neighborhood donor centers or at any mobile blood drive.

  • Whole blood donors must wait at least 8 weeks between donations
  • Dual red cell donors must wait at least 16 weeks
  • Platelet donors must wait 1 week in between donations

You will receive a mini-physical (pulse, temperature and iron check) and a gift as a thank you for your donation. Most of all, you benefit from knowing that you’ve helped save lives.

The FDA requires that all blood centers ask about your medical history every time you donate to ensure the safety of the blood supply. You have to wait a certain amount of time between donations. A lot can happen in that time. The questions serve as a layer of protection for patients who receive blood.

Refrigerated red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days. Platelets can be stored for only five days.

About Us

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Careers

For more than 45 years, the nonprofit South Texas Blood & Tissue Center has focused on a critical purpose: to save and improve lives.

Inspired by a group of physicians, our organization was formed to provide blood to the South Texas region – ensuring a safe and adequate blood supply through proper testing, storage and distribution to hospitals. This essential service allows front-line workers to focus on the direct care of patients, with confidence that this lifesaving resource will be there when it’s needed most.

But we didn’t stop there. Over the years, we’ve evolved as the needs of our patients and hospitals have changed, driven to save lives in as many ways as possible.

We couldn’t do this without donors like you. We understand that the gift of donation is a personal, powerful choice that has the potential to touch a life. Today, we offer many ways to make a difference that include:

Our team has also expanded its programs, partnering with leaders within the healthcare industry to develop a wide range of therapies.