Grifols Biomat USA Fresno, CA

Grifols Biomat USA Fresno, CA

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise the friendly, professional staff and clean facilities, with many highlighting smooth, comfortable donation experiences. Positive mentions focus on excellent customer service, knowledgeable employees, and efficient processes. However, some negative feedback cites long wait times, inconsistent treatment, and poor management, with a few donors feeling ignored or disrespected. While many recommend the center enthusiastically, others warn of disorganization and unfair practices, particularly regarding scheduling and compensation. Overall, experiences vary widely based on staff interactions and timing.

About This Listing

Ages 18-69
In order to donate plasma at Grifols Biomat USA Fresno, CA, you should make an appointment.

Who Can Donate?

Likely aged between 18 and 65 (some centers may allow up to 69 or older)
Weigh at least 110 pounds (requirements may vary slightly)
In general good health, as determined by a health screening
No tattoos, piercings, or permanent makeup within the past 4–12 months (timeframes may vary)
Provide a valid government-issued photo ID
Provide proof of a permanent address (requirements may differ)

*Note: Eligibility criteria may vary by center. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Donors

First-time donors will typically need to complete a medical history questionnaire and undergo a brief physical exam, which may include vital signs and blood tests. Some individuals may be temporarily or permanently deferred from donating based on health or other factors.

Common Reasons for Deferral:

Temporary Recent tattoo or piercing, recent pregnancy, certain medications (e.g., antibiotics), or recent illness
Permanent Certain chronic health conditions, such as Hepatitis or HIV

*Note: Deferral policies vary by center. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
Proof of Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card or tax document)
Proof of current address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail dated within the last 60 days)

*Note: Documentation requirements may differ by center.*

Preparing for Your Donation

Drink plenty of water or caffeine-free fluids (e.g., 4–6 glasses) 2–3 hours before donating
Eat a balanced, iron-rich meal within a few hours of your visit
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior
Refrain from smoking 2–3 hours before your appointment
Avoid intense exercise for at least an hour before donating
Get adequate sleep the night before
Bring a list of any medications you’re currently taking
Postpone your visit if you’re feeling unwell

*Note: Preparation guidelines may vary by center.*

How to Get Started

Many centers allow walk-ins, but some may require appointments. Check with your local center.

Other Helpful Info

First visits may take around 1.5–2.5 hours due to the screening process
Repeat donations typically take 45–90 minutes
You may donate plasma up to twice per week, with at least 48 hours between donations (frequency may vary)
Some centers may offer a refer-a-friend program with incentives
Compensation, if offered, may be provided via cash, prepaid debit cards, or other methods (varies by center)

*Note: Policies, compensation, and procedures differ by center. Contact your local facility for details.*

Features

Ages 18-69
In order to donate plasma at Grifols Biomat USA Fresno, CA, you should make an appointment.

Contact Information

Address

3780 N Blackstone Ave

Fresno, California 93726

Customer Reviews

My name is Socorro Garcia and I ABSOLUTELY appreciate all the hard work the grifols employees do. They go ABOVE and BEYOND EVERY TIME. Today is March 4, 2025 and the closing crew has outdone themselves. I know them each and would like to shout them out: Brittany, Nancy, Sabrina and of course Joy. Keep up the excellent work and I look forward to coming back soon!

Staff here is very nice. Made me feel welcomed from start to finish. And the mountain of cotton balls on point will be referring to friends and family

I would Not recommend donating to this facility. The front staff is insensitive and at times, rude. They call your name out loud across 2 rooms. The staff can't be bothered to take couple steps to front waiting area and kindly show you the designated area to take vitals. We are people, not animals to be yelled at. I have a different full name, the staff butcher the pronunciation of my name time and time again. It's culturally insensitive and disrespectful, I have brought it up to Management. No changes. N

Upon entering the facility people with appointments at 4:30 had not been asked to sign in until 5. An employee and her spouse walked in and had appointments after me. But they handed the girl at the desk a go to the front of the line. I feel that if they are going to donate they should have to wait like the rest of us. Unsure how they got those but to those in lobby would assume because the female works here she gets perks. If I did not need to donate I would not. I could go somewhere else but it is close t

06/19/25. Why the hell can they not get this ac fix d. This is ridiculous. Way too hot. Well this is the third review I am leaving . This is ridiculous that the ac never works longer than a few days. Get it together. The manager thinks he is above everyone and has this mentality that he is dealing with prisoners or paroles that don't matter . I reported the ac problem 3 times before and the manager called me to try to intimate me to change tte review cause it made him look bad. Like I give a

(Update)The process is quick, as everyone says, but these people don't know what they are doing half the time. It's my fault for considering this place. Please avoid location 3780. Each time I came, I got bruised this time, and I couldn't finish my session; they told me I had to leave because of blood clotting risk the needle sucks blood out the vain like a vacuum and it was placed in a weird position half way through it got attached to my vain from within it was extremely painful they had to take it out i

Why do they throttle the check in process? 3 times I arrived before my appointment and could not check in, they asked me to have a seat and they will call me when it's my time to check in. Other people with later appointments or same appointment time but walked in after me have gotten called before me at least 5 different time already and it's frustrating because it's a long wait as it is and feels longer when people cut the line ahead of you. I can imagine the teams productivity bonus $$$ is based off of

Have been here a couple of times, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. They try and get you in and out quick. Yoci has helped me a couple of of times, and is always willing to help, and answer any questions you may have. ??

Visited this place today. Facility was clean and staff seemed to be very engaged in my visit. Good customer service and easy in and easy out.

Workers have been pretty rude lately. Workers keep telling me my hair doesn't match the photo and give me attitude but they never take a new photo. I don't have any control over the photo you guys have in the system so unless you're going to update it why would you hassle me about it when I am just trying to donate plasma. Maybe if your front check in people did their job properly then there would be no issues. But the workers should not be complaining to me about my photo when I have no control over when i

I'm here now the workers are super ghetto and rude. Employees donate also and they go before any one else which isn't fair to people that have been waiting almost all day! I'm in a chair now waiting to donate .... I have been in a chair since 11am it's 1140 nobody has started my donation process ! I recommend you go to octopharma in Clovis I'm soo tired of how certain employees treat you!

It's Really Hard Trying To Get There When You Live On The Out Skirts Of Fresno Depending On Public Transportation And Call Saying You Might Be A Little Bit Late. With A Short Time Period. And It takes Up All The Time You Can Be Doing Something Productive In Your Life. And Get Denied Cause You Have To Run. Then Your Hole Day Has Been Waisted. Make Sure You Plan 2 Hours Ahead Of Time. Or Your Day Has Been Waisted.

So I'm a fairly new donor here, and all I gotta say is the staff here is amazing. The moment you walk through those front doors the check in process is quick and minimal time to get checked and seated. In my experience the longest wait is when you're on the chair waiting to be hooked up to the machine, but that varies depending on the amount of people that are there. That's not on the staff, they're continuously moving to make your stay is timely and comfortable. I have absolutely no complaints when it come

Rosario the RN was amazing! All the staff were very friendly. First impressions was great!

The pride awareness ad on the TV DOESNT include Trans colors. I feel that was very insensitive to the entire lgbtq+ community

Rosario was amazing?pretty efficient, smart, and well-spoken?and made it a pleasant visit for a first-time donor.

Ridiculous how I was "forgotten about" when I've been sitting in the donation bed waiting for AN HOUR to get sticked, while everyone else around me got here after I did and got poked before me, and the person who said they were going to stick me after the guy next to me, went to work on someone else, I've never had such a bad experience with this center until today, like come on what are the employees doing the floor it's ridiculous at times.

Consistently take ridiculously long to begin donation process. I am currently an hour and 20 minutes past my appointment time today and still haven't began the donation process and this frequently happens. They might as well make everything a walk in and forego the appoint process because there's no point. Certain members of staff are fantastic. Others have been very rude and cold to me. BioLife up the street is worse but if there was a better center on this side of town I would go to it.

Rosario RN best nurse ever! She made me feel comfortable during the whole process. All the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

So I know things are tough right now for everyone with inflation and all. I was looking for a quick "Side-Hustle" and I discovered Biomat! I don't know a better way you can legally hustle up $100 today! The staffer professional, they know what they're doing, and they're nice! Process is they put a needle in your arm that is connected to a machine that collects your blood. The machines spins your blood, which separates the red blood cells from your plasma. The machine collects your plasma into a container,

I have been going to this facility for over 2 years regularly now. The staff is very friendly and good to work with. If I have questions they are always there to help. Great place

Loved the staff so nice and friendly and nurse Rosario made me feel welcomed and safe!

it was my first time donating, everything from the procedure to the donating went really good. at first I was super sketch because the people seemed ghetto but other than that it was again, really good. the people who helped me out the most was the lady who was at the front desk when I went who helped me check in, she was super sweet and friendly to me and then the girl taking my vitals, she was my RN, her name was Rosario, she was super kind, friendly and funny as well. such a great experience and can't wa

For the past 7 years this place of business has been OUTSTANDING & PROFESSIONAL. They go above and beyond to HELP, ASSIST , and REASSURE. I know some of the phlebotomist personally and have seen them grow into the experts that they are now. One of my personal favorites is Jennifer S. She is kind, generous, understanding, and patient with me and all others. I would highly recommend this establishment to friends and colleagues alike. They are doing honest work that gives back to the community and world. If y

This place is a joke...one person tells you one thing and another "manager" says totally different...no one knows how to find a vane they are not registered all rookies...GO TO THE PLASMA CENTER DOWN THE STREET TRUST ME.....

Wouldn't take me due to me living in a clean facility and yet took my friend. My sis lives in Fresno. Obvious homeless ppl walking in and donating. Ridiculous

If you are thinking of donating plasma at this center, do it! I am a first time donor so the process was a bit lengthy the staff were all very nice and patient. Rosario was the Registered nurse who checked my vitals and did my physical and did an amazing job doing so. She reassured me of everything and was very sweet.

I like going because of the efficiency but I had to wait to get my bleeding arm rewrapped for address checks, phone answering, and kiosk help. I'm grateful I felt ok because had I been light headed I would not have been helped timely I do not believe. Could be a one off occurrence but not a good visit today.

My boyfriend has gone there several times and 3 times they have caused bruising and swelling in his arm. Last time they mis poked him in his vein which again caused swelling and bruising and they took some blood, didn't give any saline back to him, and he left with 5 dollars. You don't get compensated for their mistakes. And most of the workers aren't experienced enough. Last time they even screwed up the finger poke. It's not worth going here.

First time experience donating at Grifols Biomat plasma center was great and I will be returning for future donations. The location was easy to find, it's clean, there's adequate seating inside, it wasn't overcrowded, staff was friendly and knowledgeable. First time physical and donation process went very smoothly and only took 2hours 45minutes. As of July 2022 Grifols is using an app to book appointments which worked out great for me. Other plasma centers in the Fresno area don't offer appointments, which

My overall experience donating plasma at Grifols Biomat Fresno has been great! From the front desk staff and the phlebotomists, I have not had a bad experience. My only suggestion is to improve what seems to be a disconnect with staff?s understanding of the promotions. I have experienced a few times where information about promotions was shared differently between front and back staff.

I live down the street from Octapharma, and the staff is what keeps me coming all this way! Carli, Jaime, Becca, Brittney, Nay, Josie, Victoria, Sabrina, Geoff, Nate, Joy, Nina, Nancy, Matt all work so hard, especially when the beds are full and everything is backed up. I appreciate all of you! Thanks for giving me a reason to keep coming back!

Jamie definitely deserves this review. She makes me smile everytime I come in, always has a positive attitude towards everyone. She does her job quick & efficiently. Also tell Matt he's so handsome it's crazy ??

The staff is super sweet and welcoming. I've never had an issue. Awesome benefits, you get to help out someone in need and get paid for it. I've recommended family and friends to come here and they've experienced the same. Definitely a satisfied customer. Also LOVE Jamie, she's always in such an happy upbeat mood.

Staff thoroughly explained process, made sure through the whole process my questions were answered. Staff is all nice, professional and respectfully I'd snatch all the staff I'd I was a competitor

The staff was really friendly and helpful I had Rosario As my Nurse For my Physical she was really professional and sweet she made my first visit there more comfortable love her

I've been a client for 3-1/2 years and have donated over 170 times. I have seen folks come and go but the staff they have in place now is top notch. Araceli Sandoval in particular is amazing. Lots of other phlebotomists are great too. I have ?my days? and even enjoy the other regulars on those days too. Highly recommend Biomat Fresno.

Wait times are a little long sometimes but staff are usually pretty nice. Jamie is my favorite. She's the only one i?m never afraid of sticking me because she always gets it right the first time. She's also always so nice and happy. She always brightens my day.

Huge change! The staff is super friendly and professional now! All smiles and good energy. Mr.Aseth (I think I'm spelling that right) you were exceptionally great! Thank you for being quick, efficient, gentle and SUPER CARING during my donation. I felt really good the whole time from start to finish. I hope this company shows a lot of appreciation to the staff they have right now because they are superb! Clean waiting area, clean restrooms. I'm probably never going to donate again because I think I have rea

I went to one of their chapters to donate and get some extra money in these shard times. Because of lifelong childhood illness I have, they denied me the ability to donate plasma ?for my own safety?. I asked them if I can sign a liability waiver for their safety, and they denied that due to what the company?s policy makers decided. My childhood chronic illness doesn't actually harm their process nor is it impeding my ability to donate and make some extra money in just ways. Yet they denied me; they didn't p

First time here I felt welcomed as I walked-in. The staff here are very professional and proud about there job, and such cool amazing people to be around. Very clean and comfortable environment in and out. Staff constantly making sure there hands are clean, new gloves, always having there face masks up. They take jobs seriously here for people who need it. Would recommend this place to everyone who is seeming interested in helping out. My time wasn't wasted here. Thank you guys @Biomat on Blackstone and Dak

To Start Off GREAT Staff ,Ive Been To Different Donation Centers And This One Is The Best!The Girl At Reception With The Piercings Was Really Sweet! I Had Rosario As My Nurse For My Physical And Was Phenomenal SUPER SWEET !!!! Love her . The Girl With Long Beautiful Hair, I Believe Her Name Was Jen ? She Was So Professional,Caring, And Sweet And Explained The Process To Me As I Was Really Nervous!(I Hate Needles). Crystal Was The One Who Poked Me And Was So Smooth! She Was So Sweet And Gentle I Didnt Even F

Gia was amazing. She made the first time process a joy. The rest of staff as well. Super helpful and friendly and the whole process was great. Becky was a gem and great at what she does. The experience was easy and painless. Highly recommend!

I have had a really good experience with Biomat. All the staff is great but my favorite phlebotomist is Sarah. Sarah has great customer service, she's funny, has a contagious laugh, answers any questions I might have and makes sure I'm comfortable before she hooks me up. Sarah makes my visit enjoyable after the wait to get to the back.

Very good visit. I plan on coming regularly! My nurse's name was Rosaric, she was lovely to work with.

As a first time donor I was a little nervous, but Sarah reassure me I was in great hands. She explained everything really well and made sure I was comfortable. Every time I go in I'm choosing her! Sarah is the best!!

First Timer And All The Staff Were Sweet And Made Me Feel Welcome And Not So Nervous Will Definitely Be Going Back

Good place great people like RN Araceli.

Been here about 8 times. The place is clean. Very friendly and professional staff. They make you feel comfortable and informed of all the steps of the donation process. They follow all the guidelines and are consistent in their work. I feel good coming here to relax and donate, knowing I'm helping out and not to mention you are compensated for your time. Jamie is great, she is caring and kind.

I just started donating here and I can truly say is a lot of great and kind people especially Rosario the nurse she is awesome and super kind so guy's please come and donate let's help save lives ??

I have never been big on writing a review to share my personal experience and giving others a expectation that they can have going into deciding to choose utilizing the services that is provided. Well I honestly get frustrated that the employees here aren't making more money than they do. Along with my reason for stating that is if It wasn't for amazing employees like Sarah and Nate to name a few of many that go above and beyond making you feel important and appreciated when donating. I have gone to all the

First time donating and it was more than easy. The staff was so helpful and informative of everything going on. They made sure you were always aware of everything going on and how everything is being used. The process of donating was seamlessly easy with no complications. The donation floor was very neatly kept up and comfortable to sit in. I had an overall very good experience here and will definitely continue to come back!

Gave them a chance on next visit an they treates me worse than the first time came in with appointment told the return takes 1 hour faster process im on hour 2 and havent even been hooked up to machine. Not even as busy as first day i dont recommend and i will call the number to leadership cause honestly i see they treat people bad if u ask questions. After 22 visits here they cheat u out of money on full donations an even with proof they just play dumb.

The people are soo awesome, me and my brother come twice a week for over 2 years and they've all became friends to us, look forward to seeing them everything

Gia was very nice and helpful when I asked questions. Ana was also very nice and even asked me if I want to wait to give a review after she puts niddle in my arm. I thought oh no but she didn't hurt me at all. I'm very happy with everyone here.

The staff here are top notch. They're friendly and well trained professionals and make the donation process almost pleasant.

I have been donating for about 2 months. Facility is clean, sanitized, and welcoming. Process is smooth not much of a wait. All staff is courteous, engaging, attentive, and reassuring by making you feel safe and answer all your questions. I have a great experience every time. I would recommend to anyone wishing to come in to donate.

Great Place For Business. location Is Nice and Clean. The Staff Here Are Very Professional. Been Here 8 Times Returning. Staff Member Miss Anna Was Great At Assisting and Has Great Conversation Skills. While We Were Talking She Poked Me With The Needle a I Didn't Even Feel it. Great job Miss Anna And Good Job To Grifols Staff. Great Job Saving Lives. Will Definitely Come Back Again Soon. Great Job Miss Anna!!! You Definitely Need A Promotion!!!

I've recently started to donate plasma again, and the times i do, Sarah has been the one to treat me, and she's been excellent at her job, my veins are tricky but she manages it perfectly every single time. She's also friendly and easy to chat with!

The facility is clean and I appreciate the new updates in the app! The staff here is great and friendly, especially Sarah Madrid! She's Always friendly and makes the clients comfortable during the donation process. Thanks Biomat!

The workers stand around and gossip,I was sat for almost 15 minutes until I got seen

Great place to donate plasma. It was a quick and easy experience. Every member of the staff was helpful and nice. My nurse Araceli was amazing throughout the whole process and Nay was amazing and very calming which made the blood drawing quick and painless. Received my payment instantly which was nice.

I've been a donor for about 3 years and this location is the 3rd different location I've donated at. This was by far the best experience I've had. Jennifer and Sunny were very efficient and so kind. Great service and very knowledgeable and professional. Compared to other donation centers I've visited, this one was the most organized and efficient for the intake process specifically. When I got to the floor, Sarah was my phlebotomist. She was also very kind and professional and gave me one of the smoothest,

To say without a doubt after donating at all the plasma donation centers each 10+ times over the last 15 months here in Fresno that I wouldn't recommend anyone to go anywhere but Grifols. With AMAZING staff like Jamie always making you feel welcome and comfortable along with the rest of the staff makes a huge difference. So be smart and listen to this advice when choosing a center

The phelb Jamie is the s.uga h.oney i.ce t., you can tell she puts her heart into the perspectives ?? & Matt is a beast, always been, def deserves his raises & his praises . chill environment, great staff ????

Awesome staff juts be prepared to wait busy place Jamie is such a sweetheart she has a pretty light hand didn't even feel a thing when she started me off. On the plus side is easy money.

First time donating in here in CA as I have relocated from Rhode Island. Similar setup but I really like the online app that will allow me to expedite checkin...brilliant. Usual wait for a first time donor but not excessive...Matt attended to me and the 'stick' was painless and spot on..no bruising! Tx Matt! :) 4 stars for now...will adjust with additional donations. Looking forward to a return visit.

The staff is rude, uncooperative, and lazy. The old Indian women who works the front desk especially so. Wouldn't recommend this plasma center, go to octapharma off kings canyon, the service, pay, and experience is better, faster, and more convenient. Hope this place gets what it deserves.

I always come here to donate and their service is amazing and fast! Staff is also friendly going above and beyond for their donors. I recommend them for sure!!

I just want to say the staff is amazing very thoughtful while your waiting. Everyone is great at their job constantly moving making people feel comfortable and welcome and they do not judge anyone.

I love donating here!!! been donating for almost 4 years now, on and off, but its great, one of the first people i met was nate! at to this day i still see him. My favorite people to work with are Victoria, Nate and Becky, because they provide good conversations and are extremely helpful!!! they all deserve a raise!!! I appreciate this center and it's entirety because i am helping save lives while making extra $. THANK YOU BIOMAT!!!

I have been coming for over a year and have never had any bad experience. The place is always clean. Very friendly and professional staff. I have been here when they are short staffed and it's amazing how hard they work. They make you feel comfortable and informed of all the steps of the donation process.

Fantastic staff and great benefits for first time donors. I'm always looking out for Sarah. She is the friendliest most helpful person on the staff. They all are very helpful but Sarah's always makes me feel welcomed and she's always so polite.

Friendly environment! The place is clean and they are thorough with instructions. I feel comfortable coming here. All the phlebotomists are great and Ana has always been gentle with her sticks.

Smooth running operation in and out sometimes especially in the morning friendly staff and I love the atmosphere there

Very good sticks and customer service! I prefer this place over other centers. Jaime is the best! She makes our visits worth it.

Friendly staff and comfortable settings for a first time donor. I was told that I'd be awarded a 5 dollar bonus for a good review, my review is honest it wasnt bought. However I still haven't received my compensation for my review. Hopefully soon it'll be corrected.

Proud donor at Grifols . I love each and every staff member. They're great professional nice and excellent at their job especially Jaime . She is the best!!! Everyone should donate you saves lives and get great rewards!!!

Staff is very friendly, and facility is clean, no complaints. I will recommend friends and family to visit the facility. Jamie is the best! She made me laugh and made me feel welcome. I enjoy coming back to donate.

The staff is very friendly, professional and helpful. I would highly recommend this location!! You leave feeling happy and blessed knowing you helped save a life??

The staff here are very professional. And very helpful ?? and friendly.

I love this place no matter how many plasma centers there are this is the top donation center !!!! The staff are wonderful and friendly...but my favorite lady to see is becky2 superman lady !!!!! She the best supper friendly always has a smile and is extremely gentle!!! They might as well call her BECKY2 SOFT HAND lol she very gentle when sticking you can't even feel it ....she the best

Now this is the most racist, dirty, unprofessional, rudest plasma center I have donated at. If you want to see retaliation and a level of medical malpractice then your in the right spot. Now again this is only what I saw and seen happened to other people while I was donating there. NOW YOU WONDER IF IT WAS SO BAD WHY DID I KEEP GOING. WEEL, THAT WAS BECAUSE I HAD NOT BEEN TO A REALY PROFESSIONAL LOCATION. ITWAS LIKE NIGHT AND DAY. NOW NOT ALL THE STAFF IS UNPROFESSIONAL. But, some act like kids on a play

Long wait time for first timers but it's way more friendly, a lot cleaner, and quiet a bit more professional than Octapharm. They offer food and drinks if needed.. Who does that?.. Grifols, that's who! Serious about your health! Tell them 7935 sent you

Rosario the RN was on point she is a wonderful person

Biomat is a great facility. Very clean and the staff is awesome. Vanessa and John have great customer service and very polite. They make the experience very easy and smooth. Coming up on my first year of donating and Biomat Fresno made it a very good experience.

The staff were all so nice and the rn was so friendly clean office and clean restrooms

I like this donation center friendly and respectful staff, buttttt today I brought my daughter to donate and we were here within the 15 minute grace period and the door was locked so that is not cool pissed me off and that's the reason for the low rating!!!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

What disqualifies you from donating plasma?

Plasma donors can get disqualified for a list of different reasons, which may result in a temporary or a permanent deferral. Common reasons people get a temporary disqualification may include being dehydrated, taking certain medications, getting a tattoo within the last 4 months, or being pregnant in the last 6 months.

How can you donate plasma quickly?

Donating plasma can get busy with donors and long waiting times. To donate plasma faster, choose a plasma center that allows you to book an appointment online and take your health screening questionnaire remotely from home. Additionally, call your local plasma center and ask for the least busy days and times of the week.

Can you workout after donating plasma?

Most phlebotomists recommend that you take a day off from working out or lifting weights on the same day as your plasma donation. Instead, take the day to rest, eat well, and drink plenty of water after your donation.

How often can I donate plasma?

Plasma donors are legally capped at two donations per week or 7-day period, with at least 48 hours in between each donation.

What should I eat before donating plasma?

Before your plasma donation, it's recommended that you drink plenty of water (4-6 eight-ounce glasses), and eat a meal with high protein and iron content. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking on the same day as your donation.