GoodRx Health

Nobody enjoys getting stuck with a needle, but it can have life-saving results when it's for donating blood.

Every year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. - or about 3% of those who are eligible - voluntarily take a needle in their arm to donate blood, according to the American Red Cross. The organization also estimates that someone needs blood in the U.S. for medical reasons every 2 seconds.

Although some people fear needles or pain from needles, donating blood does not typically hurt. Many blood donors describe the needle prick as a brief, slight stinging sensation. But pain tolerance varies from person to person.

Here's how three people describe what it feels like to donate blood.

Just a little prick and stick

Mary Pickels of East Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, has donated blood on and off since she was 18. Blood drives - first on her college campus and later at her place of work - drew her into donating her Type A-positive blood. But for several years, Mary has diligently donated blood every 8 weeks, often alongside her daughter, Kaidia, another devoted donor.

"It's very easy. It costs me nothing but a little bit of time," says Mary, a 63-year-old writer. "If you're a little squeamish, take a buddy with you."

Donating blood involves some minor, brief discomfort, similar to getting a vaccine, Mary says. She feels a prick on her finger when her iron levels are checked before donating. Then, she feels a pinch when the needle is inserted. Otherwise, there is no pain, she says, but there is the rewarding feeling of providing life-saving blood that is urgently needed.

"If you pinch yourself, that's about the equivalent, in my opinion, of the discomfort and pain you'll feel. I've never felt dizzy or uncomfortable or sick afterward," she says. "It's something that takes a very short time commitment. But I think, who knows who that blood is helping? It's helping somebody somewhere."

For people who feel squeamish about the idea of donating blood, Mary encourages them to give it a try, knowing that the entire experience - from check-in to donation to the 15-minute rest period when you get free juice and snacks - takes no more than an hour. And during the brief moments of discomfort, like the insertion of the needle, looking away helps, she says.

"If you don't have a cause you volunteer for or donate to, [donating blood] is a very easy thing to do. It costs you nothing but a little bit of time," Mary says. "Maybe somebody you care about is going to need that blood someday."

Knowing she has a universal blood type makes her want to give

Elizabeth Zavala of San Antonio has the golden blood type: Type O-negative. People with O-negative blood are considered universal donors because their blood can be transfused into a person with any blood type. O-negative blood is the most critically needed blood by emergency rooms, where it can be used to treat trauma victims without knowing their blood type. But only about 7% of the population has it.

Elizabeth gave blood for the first time when she was 18 and her high school student council held a blood drive. But she immediately passed out just after finishing the donation.

Elizabeth didn't donate blood for a long time after that, but she felt a responsibility to give when she got older. She would hear news reports about people who were in accidents needing blood and shortages at blood banks. Knowing she is a universal donor, Elizabeth motivated herself to start giving blood again, despite her bad first experience.

"I try to really be diligent about giving," the 61-year-old journalist says. "I just feel like I have a responsibility. I have something that could be very crucial for other people."

Before Elizabeth's sister, Rebecca, died in 2019 of an aggressive blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome, she depended on regular transfusions. That and the terrible loss of her sister motivates Elizabeth to keep donating, despite loathing needles and shots.

Donating blood does not hurt, Elizabeth says. There is a quick burning sensation during the needle stick and a sting from the finger prick to check iron levels that lasts a few seconds. But she looks away and focuses her thoughts elsewhere during the uncomfortable moments.

"For me, it's all about going in there and the anticipation. The nurses are correct when they say you're going to feel a little stick," Elizabeth says.

"It's definitely worth any discomfort," she says. "I remember what my sister went through."

And the free orange juice and Oreos after donating are a nice bonus, she adds.

The feeling of helping outweighs a momentary sting

Suzy Jackson of Phoenix wasn't sure what to expect when a blood drive came to her workplace several years ago. But she rolled up her sleeve and made her first donation, not knowing the experience would change her life.

"I thought, 'This is so much fun,'" says Suzy, who is 51 and works in the mortgage business. "We were all just sitting next to each other talking. We hung out afterwards and had treats. You felt so good after you did it."

Ever since that first donation 6 or 7 years ago, Suzy got hooked and donates her Type A-positive blood as often as she is able to. She loves knowing that she's potentially saving lives and feels especially satisfied when she gets a text from the blood bank notifying her that her blood has been used.

"The feeling is just so amazing that it becomes addictive," she says. "You get a high out of it because you're so happy you did something to help somebody. I think once people do it, then the fear of it goes away."

Suzy only recalls one time when donating blood hurt. And that was because the phlebotomist's angle was slightly off. Other than that, she's only ever felt a few seconds of discomfort.

"There's a second or two of a little sting," Suzy says. "It's no different than when you get your blood drawn on your annual exam."

Once the needle stick happens, she adds, the donation is finished within minutes.

"It's not like water. It's not going to keep coming out of the faucet," she says. "People need to donate. It's something that's so easy to do."

What does the doctor say?

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Senior Medical Editor

Every time you donate blood, you save a life. That's not an exaggeration.

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. That's almost 16 million transfusions each year. Blood and blood products are a precious resource, so they're only used in critical situations. Each one of those nearly 16 million transfusions are absolutely necessary and help keep someone alive.

But there's no way to make blood. Blood and blood products have to come from donors.

Blood donors are regular people who do something extraordinary. They take on the responsibility of keeping the healthcare system going. They provide a life-saving resource that can be used by anyone, anywhere, in a critical moment. Blood donors are heroes.

If you've ever wondered if you should donate blood, the answer is yes. Yes, your blood will absolutely save a life - likely within days of your donation. And yes, the healthcare system desperately needs your donation. There is never enough blood.

All blood is valuable. It's true that Type O, especially Type O-negative, is in highest demand. But there is also a high need for Type A and Type B blood. People with A, B, and AB blood types can also donate their platelets and plasma. Platelet and plasma transfusions aren't as common as red blood cell transfusions, but they are still life-saving and are only available because of donations.

Donating blood may be uncomfortable for a few minutes. But the impact you'll have will last a lifetime. You can find a blood drive near you by visiting the American Red Cross.

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