Tried to give blood today and left in a lot of pain with no donation completed. I arrived and there…read morewere two women- one in scrubs one not. The woman not in scrubs began my blood draw process while the woman in scrubs went to the restroom. She inserted the needle- did not tell me that she was going to insert, no "take a big breath in", "you'll feel a slight prick", etc. She inserted the needle and did not hit a vein, she proceeded to move the needle around in my arm which caused a lot of discomfort. I winced multiple times. The woman in scrubs came out of the restroom and the other woman immediately asked her to reposition the needle that was in my arm. She then continues to move the needle around in my arm until it hits something VERY painful. I yelped and she then said she would take it out. She was in the middle of pulling out the needle, I'm wincing and expressing extreme discomfort, and the girl not in scrubs asks me to confirm my date of birth. I understand needing the information but it did not feel like an appropriate time. The vein in my right elbow is positioned sideways and the woman in scrubs said she did not feel comfortable continuing. I have never had problems with blood draws in my right/sideways vein so that in addition to the unsuccessful left arm draw made me feel that they were both in need of training by an appropriate source. It felt that the woman in scrubs was the lead phlebotomist of the two but with the mistakes and nerves presented in both, additional training is needed so this does not happened to anyone else. I will not be returning to donate blood at this location.

The last time I was here a few weeks ago, the experience was quite wonderful. Both parties working…read morethere were very professional and my donation was over in record time. I was here several months ago, and (it happened again when I recently visited) the laptop kicked me out when I got to a certain part of the questionnaire. Instead of just signing me back in, the woman seemed impatient, and without saying anything, proceeded to fill it in for me, asking me the questions. I thought that was condescending. Also, both employees were engaged in conversation with each other while I was there. I'm glad my experience this time was better, as I'd considered not donating there again, even if it was the closest location to me.

Staff is amazing, they have a great team, everyone is nice and helpful Zach is good managerread more

Staff are super nice and friendly, and the place is nice and clean! Comfortable experience all…read morearound. Update- I originally gave a 5 star review but had to update that to a 4 because they are severely understaffed. I waited 3 hours, they poked me twice but couldn't find a vein so I wasn't able to donate.

Great and excellent service. They got me in and out quickly. I thank the head nurse and the person…read morein the front office

HemaCare made a very positive experience for me. I'm a PhD not MD, but educated and I notice…read moredetails. Their care and methods were above average. They were very professional. And the procedure, frankly was selfishly good for me and my health. When we give blood, studies show we are 14% less likely to have a CV (cardio) event in the following year. Plus, people statistically live longer who give blood (as women live longer than men and monthly .. ). Doctors believe our body re-grows new, rather than using the old blood. Better for us. I gave white blood cells but I believe the principle is the same; we re-grow new to replace what is taken. Win-Win! Btw, the needles were small. And they made it painless. Amazing, I got home and no bruises. They are very skilled!

Easy parking, friendly and efficient staff, nice clean facility. I plan on returning as soon as I'm…read moreeligible.

Very clean place to donate! The staff is very nice and informative. Sadly I didn't get snacks thoughread more

I have not been to biomat for some time, before I left almost 2 years ago the staff and quality of…read morecare was amazing professional on every level as I come back today it is the same nothing has changed just as professional as they were before quality of care can't be matched especially shoutouts to Joseph my phlebotomist today and Abby who's been here forever

The employees don't pay attention and the floor manager did not care. I was in the worse pain…read morebecause the pressure was so bad in my arm that it was swelling. The floor manager (skinny girl with glasses) was not watching her bay and I ended up getting so bruised. It was so painful. No one cared. It was so sad. I would definitely not go there. Definitely go somewhere else or you could be hurt or even sent to the hospital. Called the next day and talked to Allison and the didn't seem to care either. I work in customer service and she definitely didn't show compassion. So sad!!!

I had a really great experience at BioLife Plasma thanks to Mel. She was super friendly,…read moreprofessional, and made the whole process feel easy and comfortable. Also shoutout to another worker there who was just as cool and welcoming.

BioLife Plasma has been such a great experience and opportunity for me. The moment you open the…read moredoor you will notice how clean this establishment is! Also the employees are very efficient and friendly making sure you are feeling good and everything is going good during the entire process. I am so thankful for this opportunity to make extra money by donating my plasma and also helping people in critical need with every single plasma donation! The most important things to remember before and after donating are to drink plenty of water and electrolytes! Also to eat a high protein meal before and after. It's awesome to make extra cash and help people in need. You should definitely give it a try and see if it works out for you!

I've been coming here for the last 5 months. The people they…read morehave working here are wonderful. Almost everyone is friendly. I feel they take care of me very well when I come in and especially when it comes to sticking you with the needle, they are gentle. I can't complain. This place gets very busy but the staff is always on top of it and they do a great job and moving things along quickly. From taking my vitals, to taking my blood and wrapping me up. Sometimes it's very very busy and the patients in line get out of control, I don't know how they do it- but they are always patient even when people are out of line. I completely recommend you try this place out if you're looking to give back and start donating plasma.

FARAH IS A TERRIBLE PHLEBOTOMIST. And I mean TERRIBLE. She has left me stuck with a hematoma after…read moredigging around my vein profusely, where another worker had to try and adjust the mess she had done. And well my arm is messed up and I can't donate for 56days. and I'm not the first she's done this to. My friend within a week who also donated had his vein/arm dug into and around to find the sweet spot and that's INCLUDING TODAY. Where she had to do his other arm and still dig around in the arm. And by the looks of seeing a patient across who she had done work on looked in utter disbelief and in complete pain. I DO NOT SUGGEST FARAH, should be in this profession as she isn't sure in what and where she is supposed to assert a needle to withdraw plasma. Farah needs to be trained again if she continues to stay in this field. She is horrible not only to me but to her patients around, who I've seen walk out with 2 arms wrapped. I wish I could leave 0 stars

I've been scared of getting my blood drawn pretty much my whole life, and for some reason I never…read morefelt that fear once with Andreh. He's extremely professional, super efficient (he was in and out of my apartment within 10-15 minutes), and clearly knows what he's doing. He walked me through everything with total confidence and made the whole process feel easy. He was also super patient with my barking dogs, so there's some bonus points right there. If you're in the area, you need phlebotomy done, and especially if you get anxious about needles or haven't had it done before, this is your guy. Five stars - highly recommend.

I had my call returned within about 15 minutes. Andre's a super friendly guy, pretty funny dude. He…read morewasn't overscheduled and was able in my case to accommodate a next-day appointment. I paid up front over Venmo, feeling comfortable with it because of his good reputation on here. And indeed he did not disappoint. Andre showed up to my house exactly on time. He went over the instructions of the kit for the test I was having done, and already knew what to expect. He asked the right questions - "Are there ice packs with this one?" "Does it need to be centrifuged?" He was even such a pro he knew which cabinet door held my garbage can without looking. The poke itself was right on the money, nearly painless, and without complication. He took the kit with him to do the postal dropoff himself - it was included with his services. One less thing for me to have to do, which was appreciated. We shook hands, said goodbye, and that was that. He did not solicit me for a Yelp review. A lot of service providers will offer deals to customers in hopes of scamming their way into a good review - it's a red flag whenever I see it and it makes me mad for having wasted time reading reviews that were essentially bought. But Andre didn't do that at all, which is why I immediately got on my computer to write him a review anyway. He earned his reviews by being good at what he does. I'd use him again anytime.

Long time donor, first time reviewer…read more Honestly, I should have reviewed the good people at UCI Health Blood Donor Center many years ago. This is my bad. You see, I have been donating platelets here at close to a monthly basis for about a decade. I've lost count at the total number of donations, but I eclipsed the 4-gallon mark over a year ago. I am a lifelong Dodgers fan that was talked into a whole blood donation by a coworker at a UCI-run Angels blood drive event. I know - Dodger Blue at an Angels event. God forbid. But even wearing that Dodgers cap, I was warmly welcomed by the UCI crew on their donor bus. The bus was awesome, and the process went well, and they asked if I might want to donate platelets the next time. I had no idea, at the time, of the importance and necessity of platelet donations - even more than whole blood. They are used in many important ways for cancer and trauma patients of all ages, and have a very short shelf life; they must be used within 5-days. As the only certified Level I adult trauma center and Level II pediatric trauma center in Orange County, UCI are always in need platelets and whole blood, especially now. So sure...take my Dodger blue platelets, please. (And yes, per my pic, there are Raiders platelets in that bag too.) I saw one complaint on Yelp about the phones not being answered here. Sometimes it happens when the place gets busy, and I have had to call in a couple of times before to get someone, sure. I wouldn't doubt that had that gentleman explained the situation and asked for validated parking, he might have received it. Maybe not in his case, I don't know, but I can confirm that the Blood Donor Center pays for your parking when you donate; even if your numbers aren't up to snuff and your donation is not accepted on that visit...they cover you. And they have some nice thank you gift cards or vouchers in appreciation of their donor's time as well. I don't do it for the free stuff. I do it because it's the right thing to do and it brings me joy, and this is a great place to do it. There is a very long list of good people who run the location, and I am certain to miss more than I will mention here, but kudos go to all, from the guy at the top, Dr. Tran, to the teams who take your donations, Mic Mic, Tina, Angelo, Alejandra, Axel, Joseph and Jeff, and those too who moved on but made the place great over the years, like Kim, Danny and Pam...they are all amazing, caring people, who appreciate their donors and treat us well. Special shout out to Ann Marie, who motivates donors to give their blood and platelets - she's always fun to talk to, despite her ill-advised sports allegiances. We are helping to save lives and these people facilitate that effort well. What more can you ask for? There are lots of options out there to donate your blood or platelets, and I have been to a few in my day, but this has been and will continue to be my go-to donor center. Book an appointment with them, in confidence, today. Thank you for your donation!

I just started to donate Platelets at the UCI Orange campus. I usually donate blood when the blood…read moremobile comes to my city. Blood mobile recommended that I should donate Platelets? Looked into it and was surprised just how easy it was to give Platelets! Plan on about an 1hr to 1.5hr to complete then process( If your first time add another 45 mins) But well worth it! They have you relax in a nice adjustable padded recliner. Your recliner comes with a small adjustable TV with head phones to watch a movie(They have a good selections of movies) or just chill. I personally bring my tablet. Please keep in mind you must keep both arms still during the process. Seen someone there had a finger mouse for his laptop, cool! After you are done with the process they have refreshments and snacks if you like before you leave. There is a great need for platelets donations! My final observation is. I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE AMAZING STAFF THERE!! THEY ARE SO FRIENDLY & EASY GOING, PROFESSIONAL & ATTENTIVE. Makes the whole experience from beginning to the end Easy-peasy!! I will definitely keep donating there on a regular basis! Thank you Team UCI-Orange Blood Donation Center

My first time here I had a difficult time with one of the workers , I was convinced I would not…read morecome back to this location, HOWEVER, I'm glad when I told the manager about the incident she handled it with grace and assured me it would be taken seriously and she apologized. Not only that she then offered to be the one to start my iv and as a nurse I've seen a lot of insertions and also have had some done. Karen rock sheet is hands-down the best I've ever encountered!! And now when I come the staff is friendly and Cruz is so sweet she explains everything step my step and helps calm my anxiety. Like also this place is so busy the staff works so hard and a lot of ppl aren't very nice bc of the wait at times but they are doing there best

I've been donating for more than a year to this center. It's NEVER been this bad. The place is…read moreunderstaffed & it seems like people just come whenever they want to. Today, I literally arrived 15 before my appointment, filled out the questionnaire & went to stand in the line where they take your vitals & prick your finger. The line was by the beds & the line to actually get a bed was by the door! I literally booked this appt early at 9:30 am because at 1 pm I needed to leave. Judging by the scene today, that wasn't going to happen. This is the 2nd time this has happened. I'm considering this my sign to donate somewhere else! One more thing, the last time I did donate, was 2 weeks ago. It took a long time for someone to take the needle out. At that point, I was getting nervous because a little blood was coming out. Not enough people.