Check out the Mayo Clinic’s comprehensive guide to blood donation[3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You have to be healthy, fit, and not suffering from a current illness. Avoid donating blood if you have a cold, a cold sore, a cough, a virus, or an upset stomach. Certain prescribed medications, such as antibiotics, can make you ineligible to donate blood. You must weigh at least 110 pounds or 50 kg. You have to be old enough. In many jurisdictions, parental permission is required for the ages 16–17 to give blood. Check the blood organization in your area if you are around this age. You can only donate blood every 56 days if you are male, and 84 if you are female (to ensure iron levels are high enough after menstrual cycles). If you have donated blood more recently than that, then you are not eligible again, until that period is over. [4] X Trustworthy Source Red Cross Blood Donation Services Website run by the Red Cross Organization providing information about how and where to donate blood safely Go to source Do not give blood if you have had simple dental work done within 24 hours or major dental work in the past month. [5] X Research source Dental work in general can place one at risk for dislodging bacteria. This bacteria can get into the blood stream and cause systemic infection. Wait 6-12 months to give blood after getting any new body piercings or tattoos. [6] X Trustworthy Source Red Cross Blood Donation Services Website run by the Red Cross Organization providing information about how and where to donate blood safely Go to source
You can also look for a blood drive if you don’t want to make an appointment. Check local advertisements for blood drives in your area.
Having good levels of vitamin C will also help to increase iron absorption. Try to consume citrus fruit, juices, or vitamin C supplements.
It is recommended you drink a lot in the 24 hours leading to the donation time, especially when it’s warm. This includes drinking four good sized glasses of water or juice during the three hours leading up to your donation. [11] X Research source If you are donating plasma or platelets, drink four to six 8-ounce glasses of fluids two to three hours before your appointment. [12] X Research source Being well-hydrated will also make it easier for the nurse to find your vein.
This means you should get a full night’s sleep (7-9 hours for adults)[14] X Research source before you donate blood.
If you are donating early, eat something like eggs and toast, or something else to increase your iron levels, salt levels, and water levels. If you are giving blood near the middle of the day, have lunch, such as a sandwich and piece of fruit. Don’t be too full, but make sure you eat enough to keep your blood pressure high enough for donation. Don’t eat immediately before your appointment to lessen the risk of being nauseated during your donation. Avoid fatty foods for 24 hours before you donate. Increased fat in your blood stream might make it impossible to get accurate readings on mandatory screening tests conducted on your blood after you donate. If the center can’t run all the tests, they may have to discard your donation.
A blood donor card is a card you get from the blood donation center that registers you within their system. You can order one of these online, go by the center to order one, or ask about them when you donate the first time, so you have one for subsequent donation visits. [16] X Trustworthy Source Red Cross Blood Donation Services Website run by the Red Cross Organization providing information about how and where to donate blood safely Go to source
Chewing gum or candy makes the temperature in your mouth go up, which could make it seem like you have a fever and make you ineligible to give blood, these effects wear off in five minutes. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you are giving platelets, you should avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs for two days before you donate.
The United Blood Services is regulated by US Food and Drug Administration. They must comply with regulations set forth by the FDA. FDA guidelines have the safety of the public in mind and if any behavior, disease, or medication is deemed risky for potential contamination or transmission of disease, one is asked not to donate. It is not meant to discriminate. As such, certain activities increase the chances of blood borne illnesses and will be inquired about. These include intravenous drug use, certain sexual activities, taking certain medications, and living in certain countries. If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may not be able to give blood. There are also certain diseases, such as hepatitis, HIV, AIDS, and Chagas’ disease, that will make it impossible for you to ever donate blood. Answer all interview questions honestly. They may delve into sensitive topics, but you should be honest so the center will have an idea if they can use your blood. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, hemoglobin levels, and iron levels need to be within the healthy range before you can give blood. This ensures the health of your blood and that you aren’t anemic after donating. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Don’t hold your breath. If you do, you might pass out. Be reassured that most people report little or no pain, mostly just feeling a pinch. The real issue is discomfort, so the less you tense up, the better. [20] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The nurse will take a few vials of blood first for testing, then your blood will fill the bag. You usually give a pint of blood at a time. This process typically takes between 10–15 minutes. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Find ways to distract yourself, such as singing a song, reciting something, contemplating the outcome of a book you’re reading or a TV series you follow, listening to your electronic device, or thinking about the worthy end result of your donation.
You should not do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity such intense exercise for the rest of the day. If you feel lightheaded later in the day, lie down with your feet elevated. Leave the bandage on for four to five hours after your donation. If it bruises badly, apply a cold compress. If it hurts, take an over-the-counter pain medication to relieve it. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you feel ill for long periods of time after your visit, call your doctor to make sure everything is okay.
