The experts agree that donating blood is easy and safe.Most people who are over 16 years old, over 120 pounds, and generally healthy can donate.If you qualify for donation, bring your identification to your appointment or blood drive, and pass the physical before the actual draw, it's relatively easy to give blood.The Red Cross suggests eating a healthy meal and drinking plenty of water before donating.If you follow a few simple steps, you'll be prepared to give blood.
Step 1: If you are eligible, determine if you can do it.
There are different requirements for donating blood in each country.Blood disease concerns can range from past travel locations to age and weight.If you meet certain criteria, you will be able to give blood.You need to be healthy, fit and not suffering from a current illness to donate blood.If you have a cold, a cough, or an upset stomach, don't donate blood.Antibiotics can make you ineligible to donate blood.You have to weigh at least 100 pounds.You have to be over the age of 18.Parental permission is required for 16 to 17 year olds to give blood.If you are around this age, you should check the blood organization.To ensure iron levels are high enough after menstrual cycles, you can only donate blood if you are male or female.If you have donated blood more recently than that, you are not eligible again until that period is over.If you have had dental work in the past month, you should not give blood.One can be at risk for dislodgingbacteria from dental work.The blood stream can be contaminated by this bacteria.Wait at least six months to give blood after getting a piercing or tattoo.
Step 2: You need to make an appointment.
Many countries have blood donation centers.You should make an appointment if you want to give blood.This gives you time to make sure all eligibility requirements are met.If you don't want to make an appointment, you can look for a blood drive.There are advertisements for blood drives in your area.
Step 3: Iron-rich foods are good for you.
You should eat iron-rich foods for two weeks before your appointment.This will help you recover better from your blood donation.Whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, organ meat, eggs, and beef are some of the iron-rich foods.Iron absorption can be increased by having good levels of vitamin C.Try to eat fruit and take vitamins.
Step 4: Hydrate yourself.
To prepare your body for the loss of blood, you need to drink a lot of water and fruit juice.A drop in blood pressure or blood sugar is the leading cause of dizziness when you give blood.If you are well hydrated, the risk of this is greatly reduced.It's a good idea to drink a lot in the 24 hours leading up to the donation time.During the three hours leading up to your donation, you should drink four glasses of water or juice.Two to three hours before your appointment, drink four to six glasses of fluids.
Step 5: Enjoy a good night's rest.
You should have a good night's sleep before donating blood.This will help you feel better and more alert when you give blood, which will reduce the risk of adverse reactions to the process.You should get a full night's sleep before donating blood.
Step 6: It is advisable to eat 1-2 hours before your donation.
If you have not eaten that day, don't give blood.Eating will keep your blood sugar levels stable, which will help you feel better after donating blood.It helps to have food in your system.It's a good idea to eat something healthy that fills you up, but doesn't make you feel stuffed.Eggs and toast are good ways to increase your iron levels if you are donating early.If you are giving blood in the middle of the day, eat a sandwich and fruit.Don't be too full, but make sure you eat enough to keep your blood pressure high.The risk of being nauseated during your donation is lessened if you don't eat immediately before your appointment.It's a good idea to avoid fat foods for 24 hours before donating.It might be difficult to get accurate readings on mandatory screening tests if you have more fat in your blood stream.The center may have to discard your donation if they can't run all the tests.
Step 7: You need proper ID cards.
You will always need at least one form of ID when visiting a blood donation center.This includes your driver's license, blood donor card, or two alternate forms of ID, such as your passport and social security card.On the day of your appointment, take these.You can get a blood donor card from the blood donation center.You can order one online, go to the center to get one, or ask about them when you donate for the first time.
Step 8: Don't engage in certain activities.
You need to avoid certain activities in the hours leading up to your appointment if you want to donate blood.You should not smoke an hour before your appointment.In the 24 hours before donating, you should not drink alcoholic beverages.If you chew gum or candy it will make the temperature in your mouth go up, which could make you ineligible to give blood.The effects wear off in 5 minutes.If you want to donate platelets, you should avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs for two days.
Step 9: The forms should be filled out.
When you get to your appointment, you will have to fill out a confidential medical history form and answer a lot of questions about your general health.The types of questions you will be asked vary depending on your location, but you should be ready to at least name any medications that you currently take and any locations you have traveled to in the past 3 years.The United Blood Services is regulated by the FDA.They have to comply with the FDA regulations.FDA guidelines have the safety of the public in mind and if any behavior, disease, or medication is deemed risky, one is asked not to donate.It's not meant to be offensive.Certain activities increase the chance of bloodborne illnesses and will be inquired about.Drugs, sexual activities, and living in countries are included.You may not be able to give blood if you answer yes to any of these questions.Certain diseases, such as HIV, AIDS, and Chagas' disease, will make it impossible for you to donate blood.All interview questions should be answered honestly.The center will have an idea if they can use your blood if you are honest.
Step 10: Take the test.
You will be given a small physical after you pass all of the questionnaires.A nurse takes your blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature.The nurse will take a small sample from your finger in order to check your iron and hemoglobin levels.Your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, hemoglobin levels, and iron levels need to be within the healthy range before you can give blood.You don't need to be anemic after donating because this ensures the health of your blood.
Step 11: Prepare yourself for the unexpected.
Many people who give blood are afraid of needles.It's easier on you if you prepare before it happens.Take deep breaths and look away from the needle.You can pinch yourself if you don't give blood.Don't hold your breath.You might pass out if you do.Most people report little or no pain, mostly just feeling a pinch.The less you tense up, the better.
Step 12: Take your blood to be analyzed.
When you finish your physical, the nurse will ask you to lie back in a chair or down.A cuff will be placed around your arm to make it easier to see your veins.The nurse will clean the inside of your elbow, where the needle will be placed.The nurse will place the needle in your arm.When the nurse asks you to pump your hand, your blood will start coming out.The nurse will take a small amount of blood and put it in a bag.You usually give a small amount of blood at a time.The process takes between 10 and 15 minutes.
Step 13: Let's relax.
Blood pressure and dizziness can be caused by nervousness.If it helps you feel better, talk to the person taking your blood.They should explain everything that is being done.You can distract yourself by singing a song, reading a book, listening to a TV series, or thinking about a worthy end result of your donation.
Step 14: Take a break and replenish.
Once you are done giving blood and the nurse has bandaged your arm, you will be asked to sit and wait for 15 minutes to make sure you don't faint.You will get a snack and some juice to replenish your fluids.The nurse will suggest that you avoid certain things for the rest of the day and replenish your fluids for 48 hours.You shouldn't do any heavy lifting for the rest of the day.Lying down with your feet elevated will make you feel better later in the day.The bandage should be left on for four to five hours.If it hurts, apply a cold compress.Take an over-the-counter pain medication if it hurts.Call your doctor if you feel unwell for a long time after your visit.