what you need to donate blood

What does blood donation require?

Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The need for blood is constant. But only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.May 19, 2021

What disqualifies a person to donate blood?

Blood and bleeding diseases or issues will often disqualify you from donating blood. If you suffer from hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, hereditary hemochromatosis, or sickle cell disease, you are not eligible to donate blood. If you have sickle cell trait, it is still acceptable for you to donate blood.Jan 15, 2021

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

Is giving blood good for you?

Regular blood donation is linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks. “It definitely helps to reduce cardiovascular risk factors,” says DeSimone.Jan 24, 2022

Why would a blood donor be rejected?

There are certain conditions that mean you may never be able to follow the dictates of your community conscience. A history of hepatitis, heart disease, cancer and bleeding disorders, convulsions or AIDS or being in an AIDS risk group will disqualify you.Dec 22, 1988

What are side effects of donating blood?

The side effects of donating blood include nausea and dizziness and fainting in some cases. You may develop a raised bump or experience continued bleeding and bruising at the needle site too. Some people might experience pain and physical weakness after donating blood.

Can I eat before blood donation?

Try to eat 2-3 hours before your donation to keep your blood sugar stable. Avoid fatty and rich foods that can block iron from being absorbed into your blood. Don't skip the snacks: After your donation, you'll be offered refreshments and it's strongly advised that you eat and drink to refuel your body.Jan 12, 2021

How much blood can you donate at once?

The procedure is safe and relatively painless. During a regular donation, you will give around 470ml of whole blood. This is about 8% of the average adult's blood volume. The body replaces this volume within 24 to 48 hours, and replenishes red blood cells in 10 to 12 weeks.

Before Your Donation

Select a donation type and find a convenient time that works best for you.

On the Day of Your Donation

To expedite your donation, start your RapidPass® on the day of your appointment.

After Your Donation

Relax for a few minutes in our refreshment & recovery area — have some cookies or other snacks — you’ve earned it!

What is a blood donation?

A blood donation is usually a whole pint of blood, which is quite a bit more than what would be drawn for your labs. Eating food prior to your donation will allow your body to replace the blood that was drawn much quicker and can help prevent pesky post-donation reactions from occurring.

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?

How long does it take for iron levels to return to normal after blood donation?

If you’re a frequent blood donor, you may want to talk to your doctor about iron supplements. It can take months. for your iron levels to return to normal after giving blood.

What is the role of hemoglobin in the body?

Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of iron-rich foods can help you store extra iron. If you don’t have enough iron stored away to make up for the iron you lose when donating blood, you can develop iron deficiency anemia.

What foods can you eat to get iron?

Certain foods and beverages can affect your body’s ability to absorb iron. You don’t have to avoid these foods completely, but avoid eating them at the same time you consume iron-rich foods or iron supplements. Foods that reduce iron absorption include: 1 coffee and tea 2 high-calcium foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt 3 red wine 4 chocolate

How much heme iron is absorbed?

Heme iron is more easily absorbed, so it boosts your iron levels more effectively. Your body absorbs up to 30 percent of heme iron and only 2 to 10 percent of nonheme iron. Before you donate blood, consider increasing your intake of iron-rich foods.

Can you eat ice cream on blood donation day?

If your donation can’t be tested for infectious diseases, then it can’t be used for transfusion. So, skip the doughnuts on donation day.

What foods contain heme iron?

Foods rich in heme iron include: Meats, like beef, lamb, ham, pork, veal, and dried beef. Poultry, such as chicken and turkey. Fish and shellfish, like tuna, shrimp, clams, haddock, and mackerel. Organs, such as liver. Eggs.

What is the best way to absorb iron?

Vitamin C. Although heme iron will raise your iron levels more effectively, vitamin C can help your body better absorb plant-based iron, or nonheme iron. Many fruits are a good source of vitamin C. Fruits high in this vitamin include: cantaloupe. citrus fruits and juices.

How often can you donate blood?

You can donate blood every 56 days and we would like donors to commit to regular blood donation. This means at least four donations during a two-year period. This will assist in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply.

How long does it take to get blood from a donor?

This usually takes between 5-10 minutes. In addition to the blood bag donated, 3 small vials of blood will also be collected. This is what goes through for testing with the unique number that refers back to the blood donated. You should not feel any discomfort or pain. If you do, tell a member of staff.

What are the side effects of a donor?

However, a small number of donors may experience some side effects such as: 1 Bruising or a painful arm. 2 Dizziness and Fainting 3 In some very rare cases nerve and tendon injuries may occur

How long does it take for a platelet to be used?

Which is wonderful considering the whole process takes only about 30 minutes. Your platelets can be used for a cancer patient, plasma to replace clotting factors in a trauma patient and your red blood cells for patients who needed surgery or suffered complications during childbirth.