What To Expect When Donating Blood

What To Do Before Donating

Individuals who are going to donate blood should bring photo identification such as a driver's license, passport, or blood donor card with them to the donation center. Donors will also need to bring a list of their current medications, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements. Donors are encouraged to eat iron-rich foods such as beans, spinach, red meat, and fortified cereals in advance of their appointment. They may also wish to take iron supplements if their doctor advises them to do so. This will help make the donation process as easy and comfortable as possible. Drinking extra fluids in the days leading up to donation is recommended. Patients are encouraged to get sufficient sleep the night before their appointment. Those who are planning to donate platelets should not use acetylsalicylic acid in the two days before their donation.

All donors should wear comfortable clothing with loose sleeves that can be rolled up above the elbow. Immediately before donation, potential donors will have their blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin levels measured to ensure it is safe for them to donate. Individuals must have a pulse rate of less than one hundred and a blood pressure of less than 180/100 at this exam to be cleared for donation.

Read about what happens while donating blood next.

What Happens While Donating Blood

The whole blood donation process typically takes around ten minutes. The patient will be reclining or lying down during the donation. First, a staff member will locate a suitable vein in one of the patient's arms. After cleaning the skin, they will insert a needle into the patient's vein. The needle is connected to a tube and a bag that collects the blood. When one pint of blood has been collected, the staff member will withdraw the needle and place a bandage over the site. Other types of blood donations, including platelet donations, require the use of an apheresis machine. These donations can take between ninety to 120 minutes. Thanks to new technology, donations completed with an apheresis machine can now be done with a single needle in one arm.

Platelet donors can sometimes start to feel cold during their donation due to the anticoagulant used for the procedure, which must be kept at room temperature. To counteract this, donation centers usually provide blankets and heating pads for donors. Some platelet donors may also experience a tingling sensation on their lips during donation. If this occurs, the donation can be paused for a short period. Donors of any type of blood product could notice slight bruising at the needle site.

Learn about the protocol for after a donation is made next.