what questions do they ask before you donate blood

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Full Answer

What questions will be asked before I donate blood?

Before you give blood, you will be asked some questions about your medical history, including any medication you are taking, and about your current health and lifestyle. These questions will be asked only to safeguard your own health and the health of the person receiving your blood. You will be told whether you are eligible to give blood

What are the reasons why a person cannot donate blood?

You will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and the places you have traveled. You will have your temperature, hemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse checked. Donation. We will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand–new, sterile needle for the blood draw.

What conditions disqualify you from donating blood?

What is the procedure when I donate blood? Firstly, you will be asked to provide personal details such as your name, address, age, weight, ID number and/or date of birth. A medical history is taken by means of a written questionnaire.

What are some reasons to not donate blood?

Before you donate blood, you must sign an Authorization to Release Protected Health Information. Eligible 16- and 17-year-old donors will need to have a parent or guardian sign their forms. If you have questions about protecting the privacy of your health information, please contact the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program. ...

What should you not do before giving blood?

Five Things NOT To Do Before Giving BloodDon't eat immediately before donating. ... Don't give blood if you feel sick. ... Don't worry about drinking coffee, tea or any other caffeinated beverages before donating. ... Don't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages before donating. ... Don't stay up too late the night before.Dec 7, 2021

Who Cannot donate blood?

You must be in good health at the time you donate. You cannot donate if you have a cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug or any other infection. If you have recently had a tattoo or body piercing you cannot donate for 6 months from the date of the procedure.

Why do they check your elbows when donating plasma?

Because arteries have higher blood pressure than veins, a puncture can lead to bleeding into the arm tissues around the puncture site. The signs of an arterial puncture include a faster blood flow and lighter-than-usual color of blood running through the tubes to the machine collecting your plasma.

What is the criteria for donating blood?

Criteria to donate blood The donor must be fit and healthy, and should not be suffering from transmittable diseases. Age and weight- Between 18–65 years old and should weigh a minimum of 50 kg. Pulse rate- Between 50 and 100 without irregularities. Hemoglobin level- A minimum of 12.5 g/dL.

How does the blood donation process work?

Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. The donation process from the time you arrive until t...

What should I do after donating blood?

After you give blood:Take the following precautions:Drink an extra four glasses (eight ounces each) of non-alcoholic liquids.Keep your bandage on a...

Will it hurt when you insert the needle?

Only for a moment. Pinch the fleshy, soft underside of your arm. That pinch is similar to what you will feel when the needle is inserted.

How long does a blood donation take?

The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes; the actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes. However, the t...

How long will it take to replenish the pint of blood I donate?

The plasma from your donation is replaced within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That’s why at lea...

Why does the Red Cross ask so many personal questions when I give blood?

The highest priorities of the Red Cross are the safety of the blood supply and our blood donors. Some individuals may be at risk of transferring co...

How often can I donate blood?

You must wait at least eight weeks (56 days) between donations of whole blood and 16 weeks (112 days) between Power Red donations. Platelet apheres...

Who can donate blood?

In most states, donors must be age 17 or older. Some states allow donation by 16-year-olds with a signed parental consent form. Donors must weigh a...

Are guests or kids allowed to come to blood drives or donation centers with a donor?

During this coronavirus outbreak, the Red Cross is not allowing guests including children to enter a blood drive or center to ensure we can maintai...

What is apheresis?

Apheresis is the process by which platelets and other specific blood components (red cells or plasma) are collected from a donor. The word “apheres...

How does blood donation work?

The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. The steps in the process are:#N#Registration#N#You will complete donor registration, which includes information such as your name, address, phone number, and donor identification number (if you have one).#N#You will be asked to show a donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of ID.#N#Health History and Mini Physical#N#You will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and the places you have traveled.#N#You will have your temperature, hemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse checked.#N#Donation#N#We will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand–new, sterile needle for the blood draw. This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds.#N#You will have some time to relax while the bag is filling. (For a whole blood donation, it is about 8-10 minutes. If you are donating platelets, red cells or plasma by apheresis the collection can take up to 2 hours.)#N#When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm.#N#Refreshments#N#You will spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments to allow your body time to adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume.#N#After 10-15 minutes you can then leave the donation site and continue with your normal daily activities.#N#Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you have helped to save lives.#N#Your gift of blood may help up to three people. Donated red blood cells do not last forever. They have a shelf-life of up to 42 days. A healthy donor may donate every 56 days.

What is the process of collecting blood from a donor?

Apheresis is the process by which platelets and other specific blood components (red cells or plasma) are collected from a donor. The word “apheresis” is derived from the Greek word aphaeresis meaning “to take away.”. This process is accomplished by using a machine called a cell separator.

What is the blood pressure level for blood donation?

For all donors, the hemoglobin level can be no greater than 20 g/dL. When you come to donate blood at the American Red Cross, we measure your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin because the results provide information about your current health at the time of your donation.

How long is a pulse good for?

Acceptable as long as your pulse is no more than 100 and no less than 50. A pulse that is regular and less than 50 will require evaluation by the regional American Red Cross physician.

How does plasma work?

During a plasma donation, blood is drawn from an arm and sent through a high-tech machine that collects your plasma and then safely and comfortably returns your red cells back to you, along with some saline. Because of this process, donating plasma does take longer than a regular whole blood donation.

How long do red blood cells last?

Your gift of blood may help up to three people. Donated red blood cells do not last forever. They have a shelf-life of up to 42 days. A healthy donor may donate every 56 days.

Why is the Red Cross collecting plasma?

The Red Cross is collecting plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to help current patients battling this new coronavirus. COVID-19 convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and contains antibodies that might help patients actively fighting the virus.

How long does it take to donate blood?

Whole blood donation takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Apheresis takes about 1 1/2 to two hours. Double red cell donation takes about 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. At Mayo Clinic donor centers, you'll have access to wireless internet, a television and movies during the donation process.

How long after a positive test can you donate blood?

The Food and Drug Administration suggests waiting to donate blood for at least 14 days after a positive diagnostic test for COVID-19 without symptoms or for at least 14 days after symptoms of COVID-19 have completely cleared up.

What is the difference between apheresis and whole blood donation?

What's the difference between whole blood donation and apheresis? Blood contains several components, including red cells, platelets and plasma. During a whole blood donation, you typically donate a pint (about a half liter) of whole blood. During apheresis you're hooked up to a machine that collects and separates blood components ...

How long are platelets good for?

Platelets from a whole blood donation or apheresis are good for only five days. Red cells from a whole blood donation are good for 42 days under refrigeration.

How often can you donate blood in Florida?

In Florida you can donate whole blood every 56 days, at minimum. Talk with donor center staff about specific requirements. Plasma donors may donate as often as every 28 days. Platelet donors may donate as often as every eight days, and up to 24 times in a 12-month period. Double red cell donors may donate as often as every 168 days.

How long before a blood donation appointment do you have to stop taking aspirin?

If you plan to donate platelets, you need to have stopped using aspirin or any aspirin-containing medicine 48 hours before your appointment.

Why do people donate blood?

Donated blood helps meet many medical needs, including those of people who have lost blood due to trauma, an organ transplant or other major surgery. There is no substitute for human blood — all transfusions use blood from a donor. And the inventory of donated blood must be constantly replenished.

How does a blood bank screen potential donors?

The blood bank screens potential donors by asking you extensive questions on your health, lifestyle, and travel history. To check your iron levels, the hematologist will prick your finger to measure your hemoglobin levels prior to donating.

How to determine if you are eligible to donate?

To determine if you are eligible to donate, we will. Ask about your health and travel. Ask about medicines you are taking or have taken. Ask about your risk for infections that can be transmitted by blood – especially AIDS and viral hepatitis. Take your blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.

Why is it so hard to donate blood when you are dehydrated?

If you go dehydrated to donate blood, it ll be uneasy and time taking for you as it takes longer to fill the unit bottle. Another problem is with the muscle because when you drink, your muscle gets relaxed for hours till hangover next morning and later. This will cause difficulty to find the veins for the intravenous.

How long does it take to recover from a syringe?

The recovery time varies for everyone depending on your diet, your body, and many other factors. In one study, the range was 20 to 59 days for recovery. Some donors, especially women who have menstrual periods, may not be able to donate every 56 days because of insufficient iron stores to replenish the amount lost.

What happens if you don't eat iron?

If you don’t eat right and donate blood every 2 months, your body could have a low blood count or low iron level . It can lead to other health problems. If your male it can cause hair loss, and other problems.

How often is plasma replaced?

A donor's blood volume is restored within a few hours. Donated plasma is replaced after 2–3 days.

What foods can you eat before donating?

These include red meat, eggs, whole grains, and dark green vegetables like spinach. Get additional vitamin C to help in iron absorption. Eat a healthy, low-fat meal 4 or more hours before you donate. Take plenty of fluids not only on the day of your donation, but also on the day before and the day after.

How soon before donating blood can you do it?

But if you’ve never donated before, you may be unsure of what do before donating blood. Blood donation preparations should start right away, at least a few days prior to your scheduled donation.

Why do you have to fast before blood donation?

This is because of the volume of blood we draw. A blood donation is usually a whole pint of blood, which is quite a bit more than what would be drawn for your labs.

What is the recommended blood count for a donor?

One of the FDA’s requirements for a blood donor is their hemoglobin levels (or iron levels) need to be within an appropriate, safe range to donate. For women, this is: 12.5 – 17.1. For men, iron levels should be 13 – 17.1.

What is the maximum hemoglobin level for a donor?

For men, iron levels should be 13 – 17.1. For any automated or special donations the maximum hemoglobin level for both female and male is 17.0. To prevent being turned away for low iron, you may want to eat foods with high in iron a few days prior to your donation.

What to check before leaving your house?

Let’s review! Before your leave your house, your self-check list is: 1 Did you eat a healthy well-balance diet with good sources of iron? 2 Did you drink plenty of water? 3 Do you have your Identification: Driver’s license or picture ID?

What to eat before blood donation?

It is important that before giving blood donors drink plenty of fluids (an extra four 8-ounce glasses of fluids) and eat nutritious foods, rich in iron and vitamin C such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans spinach, iron-fortified cereals or raisins. You’re never too old to donate blood.

How long does it take to donate blood?

Your whole blood donation appointment will take approximately one hour. In the time, it takes to complete one whole blood donation appointment, 1,800 patients in the U.S. will have needed lifesaving blood products.

Why is it so hard to collect blood?

It’s also a difficult time of year to collect blood donations due to snowstorms and flu season. Last January, the American Red Cross had to cancel hundreds of blood drives due to winter weather, causing thousands blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

Why do we need blood donors?

We need donors of all blood types to ensure a sufficient supply for patients. Donors may be notified of their blood type following their donation when they receive their blood donor card or by creating a profile through the Red Cross Blood Donor App. You must be in good health.

How to get a good night's sleep before donating?

Rest and relax. Get a good night’s sleep before your donation and avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity afterwards. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Hydrate and eat a healthy meal before your donation.

Do you need to know your blood type to donate blood?

You don’t need to know your blood type. According to a national survey conducted in April 2018, on behalf of the Red Cross, more than 53 percent of people believe they need to know their blood type to donate blood—this is simply not true. We need donors of all blood types to ensure a sufficient supply for patients.