Donating Blood Saves Lives!
At Northridge Hospital Medical Center's Blood Donor Center we make it simple for our patients to donate blood (autologous donation) for their own scheduled surgeries or to have family members and friends donate for them (directed donation).
Please call the Blood Donor Center at (818) 885-5345 to schedule an appointment for autologous or directed donations only. The Blood Donor Center is located on the first floor adjacent to the main lobby. Please park in the Main Parking Structure on Etiwanda Avenue. Parking is validated.
Blood Donor Center Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Requirements to Donate Blood
- Blood donation is by appointment only
- Be in good health - you are free from respiratory infections, and allergy and asthma symptoms on the day of donation
- Be at least 17 years old
- Weigh at least 110 lbs
- Have and bring a valid photo ID
- Drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious meal before donating
- Have no tattoos or piercing for the past 12 months, no dental work or antibiotics for three days before donation
If you are currently taking any medication - including aspirin, over-the-counter remedies, or a physician-prescribed medication - please call the Blood Donor Center at (818) 885-5345 to confirm eligibility for donation.
Scheduling Your Appointment
- Patients must have a written order from the physician.
- Directed donations - patient must have a prescription from the physician.
- Blood is only good for 35 days, so the scheduled day of use must be within 35 days of donation.
- Significant testing and processing of the blood is required. This process takes at least three business days. Therefore, blood cannot be used right away. If the patient needs blood immediately or within the time needed for testing and processing, fully tested blood from the blood bank will be available.
- Autologous donors must donate two to three weeks prior to their scheduled surgery, but not less than seven days prior.
Types of Blood Donations
Our Blood Donor Center offers several types of blood donation services to meet the needs of patients at Northridge Hospital.
Directed Donations
You may donate one pint of blood for a specific patient, if the patient's physician has set up the donor program. Your blood type must be identical or compatible with the patient's blood type. Please bring a list of all current medications.
Autologous Donation
Patients scheduled to come to Northridge Hospital for surgery can donate their own blood ahead of time should a transfusion be required during surgery by following this process:
- The patient's physician must send orders to the Blood Donor Center prior to the patient scheduling an appointment. Once orders are received, the patient can schedule the appointment by calling (818) 885-5345.
- On the day of your appointment please register at the Admitting Department 1/2 hour before your appointment.
* Eat a good meal at least four hours prior to donating.
* Bring a list of all current medications.
* Bring the referral from your physician.
