If you have a question that isn’t answered below, call ARUP Blood Services at 801-584-5272 or email donoreligibility@aruplab.com.

Donating Blood

How do I donate blood?

Schedule an appointment at one of our donor centers in Salt Lake City or Sandy, Utah, or donate at a community blood drive. Walk-in donations are welcome when available. Find a donor center or a local blood drive.

Am I eligible to donate blood?

Most healthy individuals who weigh at least 110 pounds and are free of cold and flu symptoms can safely donate blood. Donors must generally be 18 years or older. Individuals 16–17 years old may donate with parent or guardian permission. Learn more about our donor eligibility requirements.

How long does it take to donate blood?

A whole blood donation typically takes 45 to 60 minutes in total, from registration through recovery. The actual donation takes about 10 minutes. Platelet donations generally take 80 to 120 minutes in total.

Is it safe to donate blood?

Yes. Donating blood is a safe process for eligible donors. All collection equipment is sterile, disposable, and used only once to eliminate the risk of contracting a blood-borne disease from donating.

Why are blood donations important?

Blood donations help support patients with cancer, survivors of trauma, patients undergoing certain surgeries, premature infants, and others who depend on lifesaving transfusions. As Utah continues to grow, so does the need for blood and local donors.

Why should I donate with ARUP Blood Services?

When you donate with ARUP Blood Services, 100% of your donation will stay local and help patients in Utah hospitals. We also reward our donors with seasonal promotional items and entries into prize drawings. View our current donor promotions.

How do I organize a blood drive?

ARUP Blood Services partners with schools, businesses, churches, and community organizations to host blood drives. We recommend that you have at least 30 committed donors—individuals who have read our donor qualifications and are signed up to donate. We usually schedule blood drives two months in advance, but call us if you want to host a drive sooner because we may have earlier openings. Learn more about organizing a blood drive.

Is the blood supply safe for patients?

Yes. Every donation undergoes extensive screening and testing for infectious diseases before it is released for transfusion to patients. ARUP Blood Services follows strict federal safety standards, advanced testing protocols, and rigorous quality controls to ensure the safety of our blood supply.

Information About Donating

  • Most blood donations take less than one hour.
  • Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.
  • Young donors, 16–17 years old, may donate with parent or guardian permission.
  • One donation can help save as many as three lives.
  • All blood donated with ARUP stays local and supports patients in Utah hospitals.
  • Walk-in donations are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.