Donating Blood - What to expect?!


Question: I have an oppurtunity to give blood. I've checked the requirements, and I match them, so it's something I want to do.

What should I expect to happen? Does it hurt? What are some side effects? How much do they take out? Do they do any tests beforehand?


Answers: I have an oppurtunity to give blood. I've checked the requirements, and I match them, so it's something I want to do.

What should I expect to happen? Does it hurt? What are some side effects? How much do they take out? Do they do any tests beforehand?

I am donating today. I try to drink as much water as I can befor donating. It keeps your blood from being too thick.

You will be asked MANY questions. They ask them very fast so listen closely and answer as quickly as you can or it will take forever.

The hurt depends on how you rate pain. If you're determined to do it then the hurt doesn't matter.

No side effects. You may feel slightly lightheaded so don't get up too quickly. Stay for at least 5 or 10 minutes after. Have a snack and drink something.

They will stick your finger and test your iron level.

Donating is a great way to give to your community. Good luck.

a little prick, some bleeding, a cookie, some juice...

They check your pulse, blood pressure, hemoglobin and iron. They take about 1 pint.

You will feel a pick and then the blood runs into a bag. They take out 1 pint and you get to have some cookies and some juice. All is good and you can give again and again.

Hi. Ive donated blood about 4 times in my life. What to expect- first they take your BP, weight and height. You also have to answer amedical history questionnaire sometimes. Then they prick your finger to find out your blood type and if you're not anemic. If you're a girl they ask the date of your last period cause you cant donate if you just had it (they dont want you to be anemic). If you pass -you lie down on a bed and they inject a big needle on your arm. It just hurts upon piercing a little but when they start getting the blood you wont feel anything except the prick. They get a bag of blood (i think its 500 ml or something) and time depends on how fast your blood flows and you fill the bag. Once done, they take the needle out. You shouldnt stand up right away cause youll be dizzy. Usually they give you liquid to drink. After that, I didnt feel any side effect but my friend's blood vessel in her arm kinda got itchy and swollen for about 2 days.

Good luck.

If you are needle shy, you may get light headed from the 'fear' but you will be lying down anyway. The nurses that take the blood are usually very experienced so you will feel minimal pain (prick) when they put the needle in. After the prick, you just lay there and feel nothing. Look at it and watch if you are not 'blood shy' and it might make you more comfortable as you will know exactly when to expect the prick. It is not gross to watch... but if you are needle shy, just look away... I don't mind needles, but I tend to press one of my fingure nails (of the other hand) real hard into my thumb to counter the mild prick of the needle - works well. Just stay relaxed and don't 'jerk' the arm they are working on - that would not be good - more pain for you, but it is easy to NOT jerk...
If your body is REALLY sensative to blood loss, you may get light headed and dizzy after they take the needle out and you stand up... Take your time and relax with the cookies and juice - that is why they give it too you. Don't leave the center for at least 10 minutes (I think they tell you that) just in case you do get a delayed dizziness... nothing wrong with getting dizzy, it is normal for many people... after 15 minutes, you should be fine the rest of the day.

Some people say alcohol hits you harder after a blood donation... take that as you will... might be fun to experiment with that - just don't drink and drive... :)

Donating blood is the same thing as having blood taken at a doctors office. Only difference is they might get a pint or 2, depending on your weight and how much you want to donate and able to.

I donated in my high school, and they sit you in a lounger chair, and let you squeeze a ball to pump the blood. They gave us coca cola for the sugar after being drained.

It doesn't hurt, just a prick, and you might or might not faint. If you do, they are pretty quick and well trained to put a cold compressor on your forehead to bring you back.

This donation was for the Red Cross, seeing I am at the age to be able to donate.





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