The Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) announced today that the organization has added a non-fasting cholesterol test for blood donors.

This non-fasting test is another health check available to donors. Results can be viewed in the RRVBC donor portal.

The RRVBC is encouraging donors to use this opportunity to take charge of their health and save lives. For adults 20 or older, it is recommended to have their cholesterol checked every four to six years as long as their risk for heart disease remains low, according to the American Heart Association.

With this new non-fasting cholesterol test, donors will be able to view their cholesterol levels quickly and easily.

Donating blood is simple. After registering, a donor care specialist will take individual’s vitals (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin), and each person must complete an eligibility questionnaire before they can sit back and relax while giving. The donation itself only lasts about 10 minutes. Refreshments await after donating.

First-time donors should bring a photo ID. Individuals can donate a single unit (whole blood donation, the most common type) every 56 days. Students can donate once they turn 16 years of age and must have a signed parental consent.

To schedule a donation, visit rrvbc.org, call 815-965-8751 or use the myRRVBC app.

About Rock River Valley Blood Center
The Rock River Valley Blood Center is your community blood center and is the only provider of blood products and services to Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital-Rockton, Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside, Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center–Harvard, Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center-Janesville and Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center–Walworth, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, SwedishAmerican Hospital, SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, SwedishAmerican Medical Center-Belvidere, Beloit Health System, Edgerton Hospital and Health Services, FHN-Freeport and Rochelle Community Hospital. The center has four convenient donor centers in Rockford, Belvidere, and Freeport and the ability to support up to three mobile drives a day. The Rock River Valley Blood Center ensures that the right blood type is available at the right time for local patients whose lives may depend on it. Patients and their families rely on individuals to provide life-giving red blood cells, plasma, and platelets through blood donation.

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