How I did it: I created a profile on the New York Blood Center's donation website and scheduled an appointment for 3:50 pm on February 8th at the donation center at Port Authority Bus Terminal complex (8th Avenue at 41st St). I reached there at 3:35 and filled out a few forms and had a drop of blood taken from a finger to check for iron levels. After this I was hooked to the needles and tubes connected to a centrifuge machine. I was donating red blood cells only; my plasma and other components were returned to my bloodstream. This apparently produces enough cells to fill two 250mL bags which is reconstituted and can be provided to two recipients. About 22 minutes and 492mL of red cells later, I was done. I was offered snacks and drinks to replenish fluids. The staff at the center were extremely helpful and professional. I am definitely doing this again in 4 months. 

Resources: New York Blood Center website

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Feb 08, 2010, 08:43PM PST | 0 comments | 4 cheers