Blood Donors?!
Question:
Blood Donors?
How do I become a blood donor and does it hert at all?
I don't like needles either, how do you feel after givig blood?
Answers:
If you are in the UK, ignore all the references to the Red Cross as this is an American Organisation.
In the UK, the organisation is usually the Blood Transfusion Service with the local name put in front, e.g. The Staffordshire Blood Transfusion Service.
You will be asked questions about your medical history and personal details prior to giving blood - they may discover then that you are unsuitable.
There is a tiny prick-test on your thumb that is quite sore as a precursor to actually taking the blood. In my opinion, the blood taking is far, far less painful - you'll hardly know it's happening.
Apart from the little 'scratch' when they put the needle in your arm, it doesn't hurt at all. The process is very relaxed - if you're squeamish, don't be tempted to look at the tube in your arm.
You may feel a little light-headed after the first time and make sure you tell the staff that it is your first time - they'll be very supportive of you, they want you to be well. You are monitored at all times by well-trained staff.
Afterwards, you should have the opportunity to sit down with a nice drink of tea or juice and have a biscuit or two.
Only when you are feeling completely fit should you make plans to leave. You'll be issued a small book in which they will affix details of your donations each time you visit.
As far as I know, a unit of blood is about half a litre so don't think of it as a 'pint of blood' - it's less than that.
Your body will make up the volume of blood lost in about 30 days although it will generate fluid within 24 hours to maintain your blood pressure.
Unless you have a condition which prevents you from giving blood, you can normally donate two to three times a year. Men may donate up to three times per year but women are usually limited to twice a year.
I started when I was 18 and I was awarded a silver pin for donating 25 units. I've donated about 26 or 27 times now.
Good Luck!