As you enter the donation area, you will be directed to a bed. Sometimes you will be asked to show the technician both of your arms. The technician will then inspect your veins to see which arm has the more visible point of entry. Other times you will be asked which arm you prefer to donate with. I always donate with my left arm. My tip for choosing an arm is to choose your less dominant one. You will be restricted from activity with which ever arm you choose to donate with, so I use the left since I am right-handed.

After selecting an arm, you will sit in a bed that has a corresponding arm rest for the arm you chose. The technician will then put a tourniquet on that arm and further inspect the area on the inside of your elbow to make sure the vein is prominent enough to use for donation. If the arm you chose does not look promising, you will be asked to use your other arm for donation.

With the tourniquet still in place, the technician will give you something to squeeze to increase the pressure in your veins in preparation for donation. During this time you may again be asked to verify your name or social security number. You'll also be asked whether you are allergic to iodine, since your arm will be disinfected with it. This is probably a good time to point out that wearing your favorite white shirt to donate blood is not recommended. Next comes the needle.