Guide to Giving Blood in North Texas

Whether trying to get extra money for the holidays or needing a way to have a little more all year long, donating to a blood bank can pay off. By being willing to donate your blood or plasma, you are insisting the effort to help save other's lives. Some requirements can be strenuous and strictly regulated. Even if you go out to these spots trying to donate and you fail to get accepted, you are still getting free health services. Tarrant County is full of blood donating facilities. Here's my advice for what happens inside their doors.

Some basic requirements at blood banks are that each person donating have current state identification, and proof of residence for that local area. A waiting time of a few hours may transpire in your first visit. General testing and interviewing start the process. A registered CNA or RN will likely explain the body's requirements needed for giving blood. This may include that your height and weight coordinate in a healthy range. Taking samples of your blood to test if your iron is high enough is also a normal procedure. This is just the first part of your visit.

The giving of blood or plasma, which is a recycling process that returns your depleted blood into your system, is an additional hour long process. Television viewing areas are common to see in centers where donors are awaiting this ordeal. I was recently turned down to give plasma after I was already through the tour part of my health screening. It turns out that because of a surgery I had when I was a kid, I can not give blood. Many participants getting through to actually donating are looking forward to the payment handed out afterwards. Donors can give up to 2 times per week and be paid around $30- $40 each time. This will end your visit and possibly invite you to return.

Here are the addresses and phone numbers of Fort Worth, TX area blood banks. Please contact to schedule a visit for donation via phone.

1. Carter Blood Care 4995 S. Hulen St. (817) 263-5810
2. IBR Plasma Center 2520 Jacksboro Hwy. (817) 625-4500
3. The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders 800 W. Magnolia (817) 333-0100
4. Biomat USA 5629 E. Rosedale St. (817) 570-9212
5. Octapharma Plasma Inc. 4085 E. Lancaster (817) 521-3100
6. Talecris Plasma Resources 3124 Townsend Dr. (817) 921-1886
7. Centeon Bio Services 4085 E. Lancaster (817) 429-1746