Stopped in today to donate blood at one blood downtown Bradenton building walked in at 3:50 door was unlocked, but the receptionist told me that she could not take my blood today because it takes like 40 minutes and they would be closed. I'm not sure if she wanted to make sure she got off of work at 4 o'clock. But if they don't take you at 3:50 then they should lock the door earlier so you cannot enter the building. very disappointing. read more

I've been donating blood here for years. For a long time, I was a whole blood donor, but in the past 6 months or so, I switched to platelets. Reasoning is simple - when I donate whole blood, I am inactive for a week or more. Can't go on long runs, can't go to the gym. It exhausts me so quickly. That wasn't a problem in the past when I was fat and lazy. However, now that I am fat and active, I need quicker recovery. Platelet donation is awesome because recovery is really fast. While you can't do any exercise the day of the donation in order to let the hole in your arm heal, you can pretty much do anything the next day. All the red blood cells that are taken out to get at the platelets are pumped back in and so, you don't lose any of your little oxygen transportation boats. What? Isn't that what red blood cells are? Essentially, the oxygen shipping industry of the human body. Another plus is you can donate much more often - every week if you want but I think they prefer every 2 weeks. I might be making that up...assume I'm making that up. Anyway, the downside of platelet donation is the time. Depending on how many times you've donated, and how recently, the donation can take 2 hours or more (not including intake time). The more often you donate, the less you can donate each time, until you reach your maximum in a given period (I think it works out to 24 times per year, but again, don't quote me). Therefore, each subsequent donation takes less and less time. The Manatee Blood Center is a good one. All of the staff and technicians are very friendly and do everything they can to make your donation easy. The donation beds are very comfortable and for those of you doing long platelet donations, Netflix is available for your pleasure. They have snacks and beverages for you during or after your donation - cookies, chips, crackers, juice, soda, powerade, water, etc. I'm taking a star off for two reasons. One, the intake is probably the most painful part - it takes forever to get the donation started. From the time you walk in until the needle in your arm is easily 30 minutes - sometimes more if the platelet machine isn't ready. There's material to read, questions to answer, vitals to read, your arm to prep, etc etc. I know it's all necessary, but sometimes the staff setting you up for the donation seem to take their time - like you have all day. If I am going to be stuck there for 2 hours plus the 15-20 minute intake questionnaire, the least you could do is hurry up getting the donation started...within reason, of course. Don't accidentally stick the needle where it doesn't belong. Also, they have had some technicians in the past who aren't great at finding the vein. This is a rare problem, and was understandable when I was larger and covered in more layers of fat and rolls than I currently am. However, every now and again a tech will have trouble with my veins even now, and they shouldn't anymore. If you can see the vein without having to apply any pressure, then sticking it with a needle shouldn't be difficult. However, like I said, this is a rare problem, and although it does happen, that shouldn't make nervous donors avoid this center. They are mostly very good and chances are they won't cause you any discomfort. So, come on down and donate. The life you save could be a complete stranger. read more

Let me start by saying I HATE needles. A lot. But lately I've had to do a bunch of tests at the local Quest Lab on Manatee Ave, and those ladies are so slick with a stick that I've lost a bit of my fear. Donating blood is a great thing that's been on my bucket list for a while. I finally did it, and I'm glad I did. The One Blood center is immaculately clean and everyone is super friendly. I enrolled on their website to schedule an appointment. There are detailed questions to answer and then Wade reviewed the form with me, took my vitals and took me to the circular donation room that looks like something out of a science fiction movie. It has loads of beeping equipment and a dozen or so comfy donation lounges around the perimeter. The phlebotomists hang out and chat while the bag is filing. It only took about 15 minutes on the chair and didn't hurt a bit. I'll head back in 3 months to do it again! read more

I have been donating here for a few years and find this location has the best staff and they usually get me in and out fairly quickly. I have tried the St. Pete location and that was a terrible experience. They do have a phlebotomist there by the name of Carol and she has always been extremely helpful and caring. Through all the issues with therapeutic paperwork and policies, she has always been the most helpful and you can tell she genuinely cares. This is a great location for blood donation, so if you are in the area and plan on donating, be sure to stop by. read more

I have with been with One Blood for over five years - all on the Big Red Bus in Tallahassee, Fl. I was formerly with American Red Cross for over a decade until I relocated from New Orleans, Louisiana to Tallahassee with no A. C. donor centers available. I just relocated to the Bradenton area and checked out the Hwy 70 location. Yesterday, I experienced some flow issues at the Hwy 70 branch with an unsuccessful donation yesterday. (There is a long-time staff member at Hwy 70 by the name of Emma who I was told by the young lady who performed by venipuncture was off duty yesterday who has a superb history experience. I elected to permit only one attempt yesterday and try an alternate venous site today.) I thought I'd check out Manatee Ave. There is plenty of staff on duty at this location as it is a larger facility. Clean facility as was the Hwy 70 branch. Mark is the man in regard to sticking a vein and keeping a good flow access at Manatee as I experienced a short bout of slow flow on the opposite extremity. Staff use excellent hand hygiene too. read more