Business Details
About
Blood BankNon-Profit Organization
We are stronger together! Based in Milwaukee, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin (formerly BloodCenter of Wisconsin) combines the strength of blood centers in Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio with state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratories, physician services, and a world-renowned Blood Research Institute. Your blood will always stay local first, but now we will have even more access to rare and unique blood types to help meet the needs of Wisconsin hospital patients in need. Together, with you, we promise to continue our mission: we are a beacon of hope.
Details
- Wheelchair accessible entranceAvailable
Location
Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin
8733 Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI
53226, United States
Hours
Reviews
4.0
45 reviews
5 stars
31
4 stars
2
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 star
8
- MRMichelle RobertsOct 16, 20255.0Excellent experience! The girls were great! Professional & made sure to keep me distracted during the donation (which is just what I needed!)
- JLJulie LOct 6, 20255.0Very easy and dare I say, enjoyable, experience. Everyone was very warm and welcoming from the moment I came in. The process was straightforward and the tech who actually did the blood draw was professional but had a great sense of humor. The time went fast and actually I was probably out in less than an hour. I plan to go regularly now because it's a good thing to do for those in need. Within a week I got an email saying my blood was used for someone at St. Francis hospital, which made me feel really good!
- RSRachel StolpeSep 26, 20253.0It was one of my best donation experiences. Quiana was amazing. I didn’t feel the needle and didn’t bruise like I usually do. That said, there were no dairy free and gluten free snacks. It is good I live close and could go home for some things to eat. It is not hard to provide. Many things are available, such as Cheerios, Nature Valley granola bars, Fritos if you want chips.
- LHLauren HahnJul 22, 20252.0Tried to donate at Froedert and never found the location or the site. Need drastically better instructions. I would have loved to have donated but I had to give up eventually. Super disappointed to have wasted time out of my work day for nothing.
- WDWendy DunajJun 23, 20255.0Staff was super great, made sure I was always comfortable giving platelets!
Frequently Asked Questions About Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin
Do you pay donors?
The FDA does not allow us to pay our volunteer donors to help protect and keep the blood supply safe. However, we do sometimes give incentives to our donors as a thank you for your time and donation. At the end of the day, helping save the lives of local patients is the greatest gift anyone could receive!
Are donor center and blood drive staff required to wear a face mask?
Effective March 20, 2022, masks will not be required in our donor centers due to lower COVID cases in our communities and current CDC recommendations. Masks may be required at a community blood drive if located in a facility that requires them or per host request.
Can I donate blood if I've received the COVID-19 vaccination?
There is no wait period for receiving a COVID vaccination.
Is it safe to donate blood?
Yes, donating blood is completely safe. You cannot contract any diseases from donating blood. A sterile kit is used once to collect your blood and is then thrown away. Versiti is committed to the safety of our donors.
What happens to my blood after I donate?
After we collect your blood, it is sent to Versiti labs for testing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all donated blood undergo a series of lab tests before it is given to patients. We perform 15 separate tests on each unit of donated blood, which includes tests for sexually transmitted diseases, West Nile virus, hepatitis and other illnesses. If a unit of blood passes all these tests, it is safe for patients.
How long does it take to give blood?
The process for donating whole blood takes about an hour from the time you walk in the door to the time you leave. This includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments. Collecting one unit of whole blood only takes about 10 minutes; however, you can expect to spend more time donating products like red cells, platelets and plasma (also known as apheresis procedures).
Does donating blood hurt?
Donating blood does not hurt, though you might feel a pinch when the needle first goes into your arm. In that moment, think about the patients you're helping who rely on the generosity of people like you to feel healthy. You may experience discomfort for a few seconds, but you'll have the lasting reward of knowing you saved a life.
Where is the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin located?
The center is located at 8733 Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, USA.
What are the operating hours of Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin?
The center is open Monday 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM, Tuesday to Thursday 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM, Friday 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, and Sunday 6:00 AM - 1:30 PM.
Does donating blood at Versiti Blood Center hurt?
Donating blood does not hurt, though you might feel a brief pinch when the needle is inserted. The discomfort lasts seconds, with the reward of saving lives.
Is it safe to donate blood at this center?
Yes, donating blood is completely safe. Sterile kits are used once and discarded, and the center is committed to donor safety.
Is there a waiting period to donate blood after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?
There is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.
Are donors paid at Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin?
No, donors are volunteers and not paid. Occasionally, incentives may be offered to thank donors, but the greatest gift is saving local patients' lives.
How long does the blood donation process take at this location?
Donating whole blood takes about an hour including registration, screening, donation, and refreshments. Specific donations like platelets or plasma may take longer.
What nearby places could I visit before or after donating blood at Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin?
Nearby you can visit The City Market Café & Bakehouse for food and coffee, Wisconsin Athletic Club for fitness, or explore the Medical College of Wisconsin campus.
Are there other medical or research centers near the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin?
Yes, it's close to the Blood Center of Wisconsin hospital, Versiti Blood Research Institute, and Children's Wisconsin Research Institute, among others.
How can I get to Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin using nearby transportation landmarks or points of interest?
You can use nearby landmarks like the Medical College of Wisconsin or the Wisconsin Athletic Club to navigate. The center is accessible and has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.