Friendly staff and clean environment. I love the way they always make me feel comfortable. Erika, always greets me and everyone with a smile. She will explain what you need to do and she does it so nicely. I forgot the gentleman who took my info in the office. He was funny, patient and very thorough. Nahid, was my angel. She's drawn my blood several times with no problem. She has gentle hands and let's me crack jokes. Donating blood is my way of giving back and I encourage you all to do the same. Book your appointment now. They're in need of donors. There are plenty of snacks and beverages after you're done which I'm thankful and grateful for. Go online or call to make your appointment. Thank you! read more

Vitalant Blood Donation- San Mateo - Waiting area and exam rooms - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - San Mateo, California

Anti social management I will never donate blood in this facility for anymore. Change management will be more effective to be more friendly atmosphere in the future. read more

I donated whole blood to Vitalant (previously Irwin Memorial Blood Banks) once or twice a year hrough their mobile units that showed up at places I worked starting in 1982 until retiring in 2017. In 2021, when they began accepting donations again after Covid restrictions were eased, I started donating twice a year again at their San Mateo facility. I had heard they had an urgent need for blood since donations had had not picked up after the pandemic. The place is clean and efficient. However, their employees kind of annoy me because not once in the my 10 donations in the past 5 years, have I ever been thanked for taking the time to come in to donate blood. Each time I go in, including yesterday-New Year's Eve morning-I get the attitudes from the blood drawers that they feel they are doing ME a favor! Maybe it's be because I'm getting up there in age and grumpy (I'm 68) , but I don't feel I'm appreciated there. I won't stop donating, but my next one will be at a Red Cross facility. Hopefully they'll be nicer. Or maybe I'll find out that's the way employees are these days. read more

First time at this location, and the area it's at is nice and parking wasn't difficult since I came at an early time. Staff was very friendly. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to donate blood due to my high HR. Got poked with the needle from the iron check unexpectedly when the nurse told me to "multitask" doing the questionnaires while doing the blood screening which lead to my high HR since I got startled with the poke. The nurse who poked me had a "heavy hand". As a person in healthcare, it's important to be gentle when poking since his poke still hurts hours later. Overall, the inside is very clean, the front desk is very friendly. I personally wouldn't go to this location if you're looking for efficiency. You don't find out your blood type till they send the result through your email days after, but the other location I've been to was able to give my blood type on the spot. Main pro this location has is the location and staff friendliness. read more

I'll never use Vitalant again!!! I donated blood once with these guys, and years later, they continue to spam me nonstop! If that's not enough, they call from a different number every time, so you can't block them. Never again! read more

Don't go to this location, every time they are running late, so disorganized! I have been giving blood for years and at other locations but having an appointment but still having to wait 45+minutes is beyond unacceptable. They did this to me 2 times in the same month. read more

Vitalant (Blood Centers of the Pacific) is now located in San Mateo at 48 Second Ave. This across 2nd Ave from Mills Health Center & PAMF / Sutter Health Urgent Care. The facility is a BIG improvement over the former Millbrae location. Unfortunately Parking is no longer free but they give extra "hero" reward points to compensate. Donating whole blood, platelets, & other blood components is worthwhile and personally philanthropic. Consider donating whole blood (need to wait about 2 months between donations) Or donate platelets / plasma (can donate more frequently). Donating platelets takes more time, but recovering is much faster - important to me as an avid recreational road bicyclist! Side benefits: Free blood pressure check Free cholesterol check Exercise for your bone marrow in replacing the donated red blood cells. Cash out hero reward points fore movie tickets, restaurant gift cards, .... I've been donating for over 40 years with a cumulative volume of at least 15 gallons. read more

Vitalant Blood Donation- San Mateo - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - San Mateo, California

Staff is always friendly, clean and quick process. Only one time did I feel as though they weren't at the top of their game.. The nurse that was drawing my blood was retiring so she had other patients saying goodbye and congratulating her. She didn't pay attention when my thing started beeping. It stopping drawing blood for some reason and she didn't come fast enough to fix it. My blood coagulated and couldn't complete the donation. This was also when they first started testing for Covid antibodies. My donation wasn't complete therefore they didn't test it. Overall other than that one experience I love this place. Everyone else is so friendly and makes donating fast and easy! read more

First time donor and Tim assisted me with the profile and donation and he was great! The entire process was relatively smooth. Really glad I did as I saw two much older man and a woman in their late 60's donating too. Really wished most young people do it since there's always a shortage of supply. read more

Vitalant is one of the most difficult groups I have ever worked with. The local donor center in Farmington, NM is very efficient and I have no problem with the blood drives they hold at our facility. Since Vitalant took over from United Blood Sevices, it has been a nightmare to schedule blood drives. The Vitalent website is the most user UNfriendly I have ever worked with. I struggle to find any human who will call me back. They took away all incentives to be a drive coordinator. I just hope they handle the donated blood better than the handle donors and coordinators. I so wish NM would go back to United Blood Services. read more

Not enough people donate blood. Healthy blood donors are always needed. I feel any healthy individual should be donating blood because it can save a life. In fact, cancer patients regularly need blood transfusions. Blood Centers of the Pacific is definitely the best place to donate blood. The workers are extremely friendly and efficient. The longest part of the donation visit is the check in and pre-survey. You are able to sign up for appointments online and they have a neat reward system. Accumulating points results in exchanges for an assortment of things: movie tickets, amazon gift cards, or shirts. You can get free t-shirts, snacks, cookies, cup of coffee and juice for donating your time and blood. Donating blood is a painless process. Well, there is a little pinch with the needle, but that's it. It's nothing if you have a high pain tolerance. Platelet donations take around 2 hours, which is what I did recently. The time flew by because I was given an ipad, warm blanket, and snacks. Millbrae location perks - open weekends, easy parking and In N' Out nearby! read more

I am a lifetime donor of blood pallets and used to go to Blood Centers of the Pacific in Millbrae. Vitalant is the new name and location, and it's beautiful! I had a great time at this new location. It was clean, service was quick and friendly and great snacks! read more

Most of the staff was pleasant and professional but I didn't "vibe" with the phlebotomist that was assigned to me. I was asked several times if I had donated platelets before and I was even asked "are you sure?" I've been donating with this company since they were called Blood Centers of the Pacific. I informed the phlebotomist that it had been many, many years since I'd donated platelets and that I initially scheduled a whole blood donation. I also told two different phlebotomists that if my donation cannot be used, let's cancel my appointment. I have no problem with being told that I need to eat healthy a few days prior to my platelet donation. I do have a problem with being asked questions that basically tell me you think my arms are too fat to donate. The phlebotomist called my veins small yet the phlebotomist who did my intake said the complete opposite. In the future, I would prefer to be told outright and respectfully that I'm too fat to donate so that I can save both of us time and resources. The facility appears to be clean and parking is abundant on a Saturday morning during this Covid era. However, based on my experience today, I won't be returning to this location and I am no longer willing to donate blood or platelets. read more

Donated blood this Sat. and had such a horrible experience with the phlebotomist. The woman was disorganized and took 20+ minutes to complete the intake. The exchanges with her were not friendly and she was dismissive - tapped on the arm of the chair and grunted to tell me to put my arm up. I'm not sure why the attitude but it was one of the most negative customer service experiences I've had in years. I donated at this location before and this will be the last time I come here. I'll look into donating with the American Red Cross in the future. read more

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Disclaimer. "Freebies" are for entertainment purposes only and shall the opportunity arise should not be taken advantage of. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ My wife and I frequently have odd ball discussions. One topic that comes up quite often is "Freebies". What's funny is she is usually the one who brings it up and starts blurting out openly who is on her current list. Her list usually filled with the usual suspects which includes Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Stephen Colbert and her latest addition Jeffrey Dean Morgan from the cable television series Magic City. That's a long list! Given that she is the one who brings up Freebies, I am routinely caught off guard and can never really think of any. Until now, I finally have one to add to my list. If you have ever caught an episode of Pawn Stars (by the way, I am addicted to this show) you may have caught a glimpse of the rare book dealer Rebecca. Someone who's passion are rare books probably means she has some serious intelligence plus she is a minor celebrity yet obscure enough that I might actually have a chance. But it appears that I have some stiff competition as Chumlee apparently has a crush on her. Well I have a few choice words for Chumlee, back off dude Rebecca is mine! Congrats to Rebecca, I am sure she is jumping for joy. If you too are into freebies, then get your ass down to Blood Centers of the Pacific and give a pint of your finest. If you come on the right day, the staff will have freebies to offer their blood donors'. Movie tickets, free fast food vouchers and often times you will be entered in for drawings for valuable prizes. Give Red Today! read more

Today was my third time donating blood (first two times with the Red Cross) and I had such a horrible experience that I developed a fear of needles. My experience at this site was shockingly terrible from the start to the end, leaving me with trauma, panic, and emotional damage. TLDR: 1) Receptionist denied walk-in despite a no-show of an appointment slot 2) Phlebotomist refused to use the vein that I told him I've used to donate previously 3) Another phlebotomist continuously adjusted (i.e. stabbing, shoving, turning, and twisting) the needle until I bled from the site of the needle insertion 4) The initial phlebotomist asked me if I wanted to take the needle out of my arm myself (I am not a medical professional) 5) Both Phlebotomists failed to educated me on what to expect for the vascular injury they caused and did not provide me with a number to call in case of emergency or information on when to contact the emergency room or my doctor. I went in today (Feb 25) at 1:50pm as a walk-in with three of my friends who had appointments, because I was told over the phone that they accept walk-ins. At the site, however, the receptionist Erika told me they didn't accept walk-ins even though there was a no-show for someone at 1:45pm. She did not give any explanation on why I couldn't take the 1:45 spot even when I asked her to explain. One of my friends with an appointment at 2:15pm gave up her spot for me to donate instead. I told the phlebotomist (I think his name was Rowell on his ID lanyard; he did not introduce himself to me) that I have donated using my right arm before (I am right-handed) and showed him the exact vein they had used previously. However, he proceeded with a different vein. A couple minutes in, the blood was barely flowing and he told me that he thinks my blood is clotting already and called an older Filipino lady (she failed to introduce herself to me). The Filipino lady proceeded to twist and turn the needle and eventually shoved the whole thing (about the size of my pinky finger) into my arm. When she realized she still wasn't getting enough blood out of me, she pulled the needle back out and put it at an angle where she was able to get more blood. It was about a 30-degree angle, so she could not tape it onto my arm. She asked Rowell to "get a cap or something to rest the needle on," and Rowell put the needle cap directly under the needle, right by the insertion site. Thinking back at it, I don't think the needle cap is sanitized and it was dangerously close to my open wound. She held the needle supported by the needle cap at the 30-degree angle for a couple of minutes and was still twisting and turning it even when I told her that it was painful. Meanwhile she, Rowell, and Erika (the receptionist) were debating about who was getting off their shift first. I noticed blood coming out of my arm where the needle was and grabbed their attention because they were occupied with their debate. When they saw the blood from the insertion site, they simply said "it's contaminated now, so we need to stop" without explaining what "it" meant. I panicked as I thought they were saying my arm was contaminated, and after a couple minutes of panicking they then told me that the blood was contaminated once it touched the air. After all the pain from the stabbing, twisting, turning, and shoving of the needle, Rowell asked me "would you like to take the needle out yourself or would you want me to do it?" I was speechless because I am not a medical professional nor have I used any type of needle on myself; I wasn't sure how I was to take the needle out myself with my left hand that is obviously not sanitized. I told him I didn't know how to do that myself and he pulled it out of me. Afterwards, they failed to explain to me what had happened (vascular injury from the stabbing, twisting, turning, and shoving of the needle) and what to expect once I get home (such as extensive bruising). They failed to give me any sort of education on the vascular injury they may have caused and what to do about it or when to call the doctors/go to the emergency room. They failed to provide me with any sort of paperwork that my friends got that included the emergency number and left me in a state of panic while they were busy getting off their shift. As I mentioned above, this was my third time donating blood and I am traumatized from the lack of empathy, appreciation, education, and explanation. read more

Peninsula BCP peeps have become officially awesomer in my eyes. I have been giving blood regularly and as I mentioned before, I have never experienced any side effects. Why should this time be any different? Right? Wrong. After the usual procedure, I went to the waiting area for my mandatory 15 minute waiting period where I can enjoy some snacks, coffee, and juice. However, as soon as I sat down, I started feeling dizzy, nauseated, and hot. So I dragged myself to the front desk to inform the front desk guy that I was feeling nauseated. I blinked, and the thing I knew I was on my back the floor looking at faces I didn't know with someone swinging my bent knees left and right. I had fainted. The next few minutes felt like I was watching a movie. You know when someone fainted and people around him/her would ask "What's your name? Do you know where you are?" I never thought that would happen to me as I have never fainted once in my life. They said, I was only out for 5 seconds, but felt like an hour to me. The staff members were quick and obviously knew what they're doing. They gave me cold compress and moved me to a long seat. Anyhow, the next hour or so was quite an ordeal for me. I kept having dizziness, nausea, stomach pains, and cold sweat. Look up vasovagal/hypotensive reaction. During the whole time, I had at least one staff member checking up on me to make sure I was okay and comfortable. They would not let me go until my blood pressure was up to an acceptable number. If you're wondering, the cause was most likely lack of sleep. I was up until around 3 am the night before and I was giving blood at 10.30 am. So, let it be a lesson to y'all. Don't stay up late and give blood. read more

I don't think I will come to this blood drive again. The person told me I was not suitable for plasma donation, but I've donated plasma before a year ago. She attempted to insert the needle in my arm a couple of times and adjusted the needle placement more than 3 times. I came to realize the next following day, my arm had 5 holes in different areas... *keep in mind, my vein was not hard to find. I've gotten blood drawn for more than 6 times and they were all able insert the needle in at one try. read more

Vitalant Blood Donation- San Mateo - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - San Mateo, California

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If I could give zero stars I would. I took three hours out of my Saturday schedule (in response to the current blood supply crisis in the area) to donate platelets and it was a complete waste of my time. Not only did I waste gas driving 45 minutes to the center, they make me pay for parking and wait 20 minutes past my appointment time, by the time it was my turn, the tech looked at my arms and turned me away because she didn't think she could get an apheresis neede in my arm. I have been donating platelets every month for 10 years and this is the first time I have ever been turned away. Go to the Stanford blood center. They're more professional and have techs who know how to insert a needle. read more

Large and well (medical) equipped facility. I had appointment at 1pm. I reached 10 mins before. By the time I have been called for pre-check up, it was 1:26pm During pre-checkup, nurse has to feel again some forms. They asked me several questions including the dates when I went out of USA and when I entered in USA. I feel like it is I am facing immigration interview. Nurse was not aware about process plus computer and software was sluggish. It took 20 mins to check my BP & Iron Finally it was 1:55pm when nurse asked me get ready for blood donation. I really want to donate regularly but just to donate blood, i drove 40 miles, spend more than hour for donation. No wonder people are not coming forward for donation. read more

Came by to try and donate a pint of blood, unfortunately I got there too late and it had just closed. Regardless, from past experience, the nurses here knows their stuff. They usually keep a pretty light sense of humor and seem to like their job. I got hit by a car recently, but was able to walk away from the accident. I figure it's karma and wanted to do something to "give back". I'll come back and keep trying. read more

Side story: I was always afraid of needles all my life. Even before the needle reaches my vein, I'm already terrified. I'll be nervous and even have tear here and there. The doctor required a few tubes of blood from me. The needle finally reaches inside me. The kind doctor tries to distract me by asking me various questions. Finally, it was over. I thought to myself, it wasn't THAT bad. Since then, I've been donating blood. And each and every time, the nurse would tell me, "Ohhh, what nice plump veins you have! I can see them so clearly!" And it made me happy because it's a blessing as I like to call it. I've been coming to this location for a little over a year now. It's a convenient location for me and they open on the weekends. Their scheduling system is very easy as I can do it online. I usually donate platelets, which take longer than normal whole blood donations. Essentially, platelets take a special layer of your blood and returns the blood back to your body. This procedure may take about 1 to 2 hours. This is a great opportunity to catch up on your shows because they give you a personal Ipad for your entertainment. The nurses take great care of you. They'll check up often and make sure you're comfortable. Feeling cold? No worries, they have blankets and hot packs. The greatest feeling afterwards is not the fact they have the most delicious on point baked cookies, but that you can save someone's life. :) ***They also have a point reward system. For every time you donate, you'll receive an x amount of points. These points can be redeemed for various items such as movie tickets, shirts, fundraising and gift cards. read more

This place gets 2 stars because the staff is generally pretty nice. That being said, either this site or Blood Centers of the Pacific is the most inefficient and confused organization next to the Federal government. Begin super long rant. I have gone here a total of 4 times to donate my O negative blood, the type that can be used for anyone and is always in demand for the ER. Out of those 4 times, I have been able to donate once. And that was after waiting an hour for these people to figure out what they did wrong, and upon failing to do so had to pull out the old equipment to take my blood. Basically I would get called twice a week to come in. Since I don't have a car, I get to ask someone to give me a ride. Upon arriving on time for my appointment that was made after practically being begged to come in, and filling out their electronic paperwork, they cannot submit it. Why? No one knew. Just can't. No submit, can't take blood. Get to sit for an hour until an admin finally takes me into their office and tell me that they are sorry and that they will PERSONALLY see that this is fixed for my next visit. BWAHAHAHAHA ya right. No follow up e-mail like I was promised, no call, and the relentless begging phone calls resume. Finally after dodging a few begging calls for me to come in I tell the guy on the line that I will only come in if he can confirm they will actually take my blood and not waste my time and my favors for rides. He promises me he has personally taken care of it and it is all fine. Nope. Another wasted trip and me asking them to take me off the list if all they are going to do is waste my time. More apologies more promises. Against my better judgement, because I actually do feel a duty to donate my rare blood, the process is repeated a third time. This time, the first thing I do when I come in is tell them what usually happens. I get looks of disbelief and assured that won't happen. Of course it does. After an hour of hemming and hawing one of the more experienced phlebotomists? pulls out the older equipment that doesn't require electronic authorization. Will that blood actually be used? I somehow doubt it, I got the feeling it was drawn to make me feel better since it didn't follow the correct procedure. Then a miracle happens. One of the receptionists makes a discovery as I'm finishing up. AHA! she says. It seems the card we issued you scans your last name and first name reversed. We are very proud of ourselves for only taking 3 trips and weeks to figure this out. Awesome! 4th trip. SFO Plane crash. I'm contacted to ask for my O negative blood that they are apparently out of and need immediately for the victims of the crash. Ok, says I, puts my one day off that week plans on hold, set up the earliest appointment (get confirmation of said appointment) and have someone drive me over to the blood center. Me: Hello I have an appointment. Receptionist: Hello, it will be a long wait. Me: Um..how long? I mean I have an appointment and I'm on time. Receptionist: At least 2 hours. We are packed. Me: But I have an appointment....well can I at least put my name down and come back in 2 hours? Receptionist: Listen, everybody has to wait, and no you can;t leave the premises if you want to donate. If you want you can come in another day, but you need to make another appointment call ahead and confirm that there isn't a wait beforehand. Me: Why didn't anyone tell their appointments they would be stalled so long? Receptionist: I don't know, everybody has to wait. Me: Bye. So there you go people. Someone in the ER gets to die, because Blood Centers of the Pacific just refuses to take my blood. Apparently they are doing ME a FAVOR by even considering it. read more

I'm a hero and I saved a life today! Well, at least that's what the center's marketing campaign told me. I have to admit, I was shallow and found myself here because I was a victim of their "All Star" marketing campaign (donate blood and you get a free "All Star" 2007 t-shirt. I inadvertently thought I would be entered into a drawing to win a pair of tix to the All Star game). Seriously. I'm not big on the whole "needle" situation so it's been pretty easy to avoid donating blood. But, when you incorporate the words "baseball, hero, donate, and free" in your marketing campaign, you'll probably motivate me into action. *Plus I've got "All Star" fever. This specific branch is in a brand new facility and it is clean, organized and very cool. The employees were so professional, friendly and organized. I arrived at 10:55 for an 11:00 appt. this a.m. and there was only one person in front of me. By the time, I sat down to fill out some paperwork, 15 people had come in to donate! So, as a first time donor (I know, I know. I'm a late bloomer and sincerely regret not having donated sooner), I had to read a few handouts and fill out a double-sided application (questions asked are also available for your review on their website). I also received a new donor goodie bag! As soon as I completed the paperwork, a technician called me within minutes. He took me into a private office, asked a few questions, pricked my finger for an initial test, took my blood pressure, pulse and temperature. I really appreciated the entire process, because Angelo kept me in the loop every step of the way, sharing my health stats with me as he took them and informing me of the next step. Extremely professional and personable. After this initial orientation, I took a seat in a recliner that mechanically slid even further to ensure that my feet were slightly elevated while blood was being drawn. Drawing out 1 pint of blood took a total of about 10 mins, after which point I remained in the recliner, but placed in the original, relatively upright position. After about 5 minutes, Angelo asked me to move slowly and slide my legs off to the side of the chair. After ensuring that I was not light-headed, he asked me to slowly stand up and he observed me again for a few seconds. I felt perfectly fine and he gave me a piece of paper with today's date and my donation "unit #" along with the time I could leave the facility. For your safety, they ask you to stay for a few minutes and direct you to their "cantina" area where they provide complementary refreshments for replenishment. Today, they had someone there who offered to get us drinks and informed us that we could help ourselves to any snacks. They also had magazines and newspapers in the area. Be forewarned - they instruct you to make your next meal a "hearty" meal and you are literally across the street from In-n-Out Burgers, Panera and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue! Note: Within 7 hours of donating, you can login to their website with your Donor Id# and get your "total cholesterol" results! read more

Spread the love! I really have to say agree with the other reviewers that if you are able to give blood- the folks here make it an easy and rewarding experience. I have done both the mobile donation and been to the facility many times (Gold Level, baby!) and no matter what they make it a pleasant experience. I often get turned away because I have low iron, but the wonderful receptionist always encourages me and give my the donor points for keeping my appointment! If you do go, join their Rewards program- it's pretty cool and you can even opt to give your points back to the center so they can do even more good-ness in the world. I'm not going to get all "soapboxy", but again, if you are able this is a great way to spend 45 minutes on a lunch hour or day off... Oh! And you can get free movie tickets if you are in it for a reward. read more

Ok I need to write an update - THEY NOW HAVE FRESH BAKED COOKIES!!! Omg...so good. I love donating blood because I'm able to give back to the community while getting some "me time" and watching a movie (PS - they're now also upgrading all the TVs with iPads so you can choose from Netflix, Hulu, and I think Xfinity On Demand). Now I love it even more because I can smell delicious cookies baking while I donate! Life doesn't get better than this. Seriously though, all the staff here is super friendly and genuinely care that you have a pleasant blood donation experience. They always check on you, provide heat packs, and are very sweet. Even at 8:15am on a Saturday morning (which is when I like to donate). read more

I donated blood and they gave me a free movie ticket so to be honest sometimes I wait to donate until they have things like that going on. I have O- blood so I'm the "universal donor". They always call me. Constantly. I understand why... but yea. Sometimes it can get on my nerves... so I would definitely recommend you don't give them your cell phone (I gave them my house phone). read more

I've been coming here since 2001 and have so far donated over 5 gallons of blood, woot! My work has a mobile van that comes but I like making the trip up to Millbrae because over the years, I've developed friendships at this location. The staff here is always so nice and caring and thankful for you taking the time and your blood to donate. I also like their online rewards points program and usually cash my points in for movie tickets. For whole blood donations, you can donate once every 8 weeks and even more frequent for platelets. I just do whole blood though. If you're interested in donating, just make sure you drink lots of water before and after you go in to shorten your recovery time. I do agree with Doug that they call a lot to get you to come back in. I get it, they need your blood. I just don't get annoyed by it anymore. I've just plugged their number into my phone and just pick up when I'm ready to donate. Or just don't pick up and see it as a reminder that you're now eligible to donate and go online and schedule a time that works for you. read more

Came here kind of on a whim today...things have been going so well for me lately, I thought I would give a little back. I usually donate at work or school, where the setups are makeshift, there can be long waits, and you're always rushing to get back to class (or your desk, or the lab). This main site is NICE, with comfy chairs, and tv's for the people doing apheresis(?). The staff is also very very nice. I checked their website before coming in to see if I needed to make an appointment, but there was no option to set one up for today. So, I just decided to take a chance and drop in. I had to wait all of 5 minutes before things got started, and everything happened really quickly. That was all convenient for me, and I was grateful...but that also meant that not many people were donating! Please please please get out there and donate if you can, and if you need more incentive than just helping your fellow humans: - it's relatively painless (only 2 slight pinches) - you get a variation of a cholesterol test on your blood - I got $15 off each of up to 6 tickets to Great America - and you're encouraged to eat a snack before you go...that means guilt-free Oreos! read more

Easy to make an appointment. Easy to check in. Staff gives me just the right amount of attention - not too much, not too little. Standard juice & snacks afterwards. Reward points good for Amazon, movie tickets, etc. Then, I feel good for having done something good for someone. I've donated mostly platlets (apheresis) in Santa Rosa and the Peninsula locations - both are great! Updating this review (Feb 2018) because of an experience the other day - reducing this from 5 stars to 2. They called me asking for a donation of platelets as there was an immediate need. I scheduled an appt, showed up, got checked in, and they started the process that typically takes about 2.5 hours. After only 1 hour I was told all finished, and my next donation would have to wait 4 months (instead of the usual couple of weeks). Turns out they made a mistake and took a double red cell instead of platelets. The intake person apparently made the decision unilaterally, and no one ever told me until it was too late. That's not acceptable. Feels like theft (even though it's not) to do that. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1 is because the supervisor apologized after I complained. But, they need to work on their procedures and controls more. read more

It's been a few years since I've donated here so things might have improved. I've been to this donation site for 3 times, all ending with me quite unhappy. 1st visit: I have a small vein and the blood runs slow. The LVN who was drawing my blood noticed and started tweeking the IV. I told him that I've had many donations in the past and I'm able to complete within the time alloted. It'll be fine if he leaves it alone. He didn't listen. He keep tweeking it, not only was it painful but the vein eventually gave out altogether and the blood stopped running. It didn't make a full pint so it can't be used. I also ended up with a huge bruise the next day that never happened with previous donations. I probably won't be so annoyed if the LVN cracked a smile the entire time he was causing me pain. I understand that these things happen and a little smile would have made it ok but no... nothing. 2nd visit: I was in the interview room. My interviewer was decently nice but I was border line anemic so she went out to spin my blood. While she was away another staff barged in and asked "How old are you?". What? No greetings just "How old are you?" I look a lot younger than my actual age but that's just rude. I told her my age and she just walked out. No apology, no explanation, nothing. If I'm under-age, don't you think the interviewer or the RN/LVN who will be drawing my blood would catch that? Have some faith in your co-worker and don't freakin barge into some room acting like you're going to save the world. How rude! 3rd visit: My interviewer was clearly not happy to be at work. It obvious through her mannerism. She poked my finger, picked up the blood with the capillary tube, place a drop in the bottle of liquid and then threw away the capillary tube that still had some blood. My drop of blood did not sink at the time alloted. She then asked me if this happened before. I told her yes. She then gave me a loud sigh and said "You should have told me that." She then grabs my hand roughly and then pokes another finger. When she went out of the room to spin my blood, I got up and walked out. I don't care if I'm eligible to donate or not, I've had enough of this place and I'm not coming back. I'm trying to do a good deed. I shouldn't walk out of a blood center regretting coming at all. It's just not right. I hope things have improved. read more

Someone needs blood every two seconds. If only one more percent of all American would give blood, blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future. You check for more details here http://bloodbanker.com/banks/bloodbank.php?center=BLOOD+CENTERS+OF+THE+PACIFIC&ID=2864 read more

First time coming in a few days ago. Made an appointment on their website the day before and came in with no need to wait (note it was friday at 1pm and only about 1/2 of the seats were being used for blood donations so it seemed like a quiet time). Everyone was super nice, friendly, and wanted to make the donation process as comfortable as possible. Special thanks to Sarah who helped me out, she was very helpful and nice. I only got half way through because I didn't know that moving your arm even just a little bit could mess up the needle and it got out of my vein so I only go the donate 1/2 of the blood planned. They apologized but said I still donated enough for some good use. I'll be back in a few months and can hopefully donate more. read more

The cookies are to die for!!!!!! But really, the staff was great. I had a 9 AM appointment and I got there a 8:45. I was greeted and started my registration right away. It was a cool morning, so they needed to warm my arm up to get the vein to show itself. They got me hooked up within 5 minutes and I just laid back and enjoyed the smell of the cookies that we're coming out of the oven. The staff really did a great job checking on me every few minutes. I don't understand all the negative posts, I never experience anything bad. Did I mention the cookies? The volunteer that was helping out treated me like I was her grandson. After the 3rd cookie and resting for 20 minutes, I said my goodbyes. Since I am O-, I donate double reds and only get to visit ever 16 weeks, so I'll see you in February. read more

I saw their Donation Bus in San Bruno Park a few weeks ago and I decided to give blood. I have been a long time donor with the Red Cross but since they seem to only have drives across the bay, I haven't been able to give. Unfortunately it appears that it will stay that way until the Red Cross starts holding more events on this side of the bay. Everything was fine with regard to the staff; everyone was friendly. Where they lose it for me is the help I got after the donation. A few days after the donation, I began having some mild pain around the draw site. This mild pain turned into severe pain, redness, and heat to the touch. At this point, I wasn't sure what was going on so I decided to call the hotline that they always give you to call with any issues about your donation. I left a message and got no response. After a few days I called the scheduling line and spoke to someone who was at least concerned. Unfortunately he was only able to patch me back to the answering machine that I used before. I went to urgent care after the pain began to spread up and down my arm. It turns out I had got an infection from my donation. While I don't think that it was the fault of any of the staff, I do not feel like they addressed my concerns about my bad reaction well enough. I figured nothing was super wrong but it seemed pretty bad that they wouldn't at least call me back to tell me that this was normal or that nothing was wrong with my donation. The experience was fine just be aware that you are on your own if something goes wrong with you after they get your blood. read more

I have been giving blood ever since I was in high school. I do it for Karma points and the knowledge that I helped someone somewhere. The bonus perks are the free movie tickets, sees candy hook ups, tee shirts and other awesome incentives. I also do it when they don't give stuff away. I mean, if you're a healthy vertical and ventilating individual you really should give blood. The needles are not that big and there is always someone in need. Why not? They also have a program that you can enroll in online that tracks how much blood you have given. Free overall cholesterol levels are tested when you give blood, results of which can be found online when you register and enter your personal ID number. Several years ago I got a pin that put me at the 5 gallon mark, it was really cute and shocking all at the same time. 5 gallons is a lot. I mean I've probably given enough blood at this point to fill up my gas tank . . . . . ew. =) I do the Apheresis donation which is a plasma donation instead of a whole pint of blood. Apheresis actually helps 2 people because only plasma or platelets are taken away. Even more karma points Yay! This type of procedure uses a smaller gauge needle but takes longer. Which is all good for two reasons, I can sit back and relax watch a movie from their library (mostly recent titles), surf the web or read. All of the hematologist are really good; they are always polite, efficient and professional. At the end of your donation it is advised that you stick around for 15 min loading up on free snacks and beverages. Sometimes a volunteer will be there to pour you juice and give you reading material, that part is never really consistent but I don't mind serving myself. I encourage everyone to give blood! You never know who may need it. You may someday, heaven forbid but I'm just saying. Blood is a priceless gift. Often you can walk in for whole blood but Apheresis requires an appointment so that they can set up the special machines. read more

Yep. Still bad. Last night, at 5pm, 12/4/13 they seemed to be way overbooked on appointments. The inefficiencies of communication between the receptionist and the staff still remain. Looked like platelet donors got priority for obvious reasons - definitely more important than whole blood. But just sucks to have an appointment and wait for almost an hour. This time I checked on the length of wait time after 50 minutes and couldn't get a straight answer. So I left. What a waste of time. Never coming back to this location ever again. read more

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME HERE! They are incompetent at best and should not be trusted with such an important job. Go to Stanford Blood Center instead. Without going into my complete medical history, I'll just say that I wanted to donate plasma here because they have more convenient appointment times than Stanford. After driving up there and going through the whole check in and questionnaire process, I was told I couldn't donate today. Why? Because the person who scheduled my appointment is an idiot. Even though I told the person scheduling my appointment my whole story about switching donation sites, she still scheduled me to donate plasma today. When I got there, however, they wouldn't accept my blood type from my previous donation site, even though they could just call them to verify, so I'd need to do another whole blood donation. But I'd have to wait another month to do that because it's only been 30 days since my last whole blood donation. And then it would be another month after that before I could donate plasma. So, my valuable plasma stays with me because these people are incompetent. I will switch back to Stanford and hopefully get to donate there soon. Again, do not waste your time here! read more

Chopped 20 minutes off donation, you can take the pre-test online. You know the questions, have you wrestled a bear today? Swallowed rusty nails. I joke of course. But you get the idea. read more

yay for being a blood donor. even though i havent gone back since my last visit.. which was not GOOD. i have yet to come back i have my blood donor card all ready to go . lols but for one thing i wish they had paid greater attention to my low blood pressure before having me donate blood... um ...cause i fainted afterwards! which was not pleasing... my "friend" that went with me thought i was kidding. and just smiled as i walked back to the seat in a daze. then as i sat down i completely missed the chair and he stood there in shock. but thank goodness for those that rushed to my rescue what an adventure! i havent got back since =o! soon soon soon read more