What To Expect When Donating Blood

Protocol For After Making A Donation

After completing a blood donation, donors will be asked to remain at the donation center for ten to fifteen minutes. Salty snacks, cookies, and juices will be provided, and patients can continue their normal routine after leaving the center. No alcohol should be consumed in the twenty-four hours after donation. Patients are encouraged to drink an extra thirty-two ounces of water during this time. The bandage over the needle site needs to remain in place for several hours after the donation. Patients should clean the area around the bandage with soap and water to prevent a skin rash. If the needle site starts to bleed, patients should apply firm, continuous pressure to the area for at least five to ten minutes and elevate their arm. Patients should refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous physical activity for the rest of the day after their donation.

Continue reading to discover appropriate donation schedules next.

Donation Schedules

Many individuals who choose to donate blood often become regular blood donors. However, beginners may not know the proper donation schedules. Individuals who donate whole blood must wait at least eight weeks between each donation. Those who are donating platelets can do so more often. Specifically, an individual can donate platelets every seven days up to a maximum of twenty-four times a year. Of course, patients must wait at least a week after donating platelets to donate whole blood and vice versa. Some reports indicate that individuals who are autologous donors, meaning they are giving blood for themselves, adhere to different regulations. Patients should discuss this with their doctor. Finally, patients must follow a donation schedule of waiting 112 days when they do an automated double red cell collection.