For this part of the process, you and a technician are in a confidential area where your answers on the questionnaire can be discussed while your health is verified. The following tests are performed to ensure that you are well enough to donate:

• temperature is taken
• blood pressure/pulse is taken
• iron level of your blood is measured

The first two, I think we've all had performed. The iron test, however, is probably new to all first time donors. The technician takes a new needle and pricks your finger then squeezes the pricked finger to get some blood out which is collected in a small, thin glass thing that looks a lot like a microscope slide. The slide is put into a machine that determines the iron level of your blood. You must have a reading of at least 12.5. When I donated with the Red Cross, they tested your iron level by putting a drop of your blood into a vial of solution and the drop has to sink to the bottom of the solution within 15 seconds.

If your iron level is borderline on the first test, the test is performed on your other hand or sometimes on your ear. The last time I donated, I went from a 12.4 on my right hand to a 14.1 on my left hand. If the second test shows that your iron is too low, you will be temporarily deferred from donating because of anemia and provided a list of foods that are high in iron. Having low iron is usually a problem for women, especially if they are menstruating.

While your iron level is being checked by the machine, the technician will discuss any questions that are flags, such as "yes, I've traveled outside the US" or "yes, I am taking prescription medications." You will also be asked a barrage of questions relating to the AIDS virus. Have you ever taken money or drugs for sex? Are you giving blood to discover if you have the AIDS virus?, etc. You used to then be asked to select one of two bar codes and place it on your questionnaire: yes, my blood is safe to use or no, do not use my blood. I wasn't asked to do this the last time I donated, but some places may still have this policy.

If you pass all the questions and physical requirements, you will then move on to the donation area with your questionnaire and a blood donation bag.