If you know me at all, you know that blood donation is something that I think is very important. To this date I have donated whole blood 40 times - that's 5 gallons! I also now donate platelets every 2 months.
Here are some facts -
The actual donation takes only about 10 minutes and the entire process takes
about an hour. It is very simple and the nurses guide you through it.
Here's what happens -
1. You fill out a form with your vital information (name, address, etc) and a short questionnaire is also on the form.
2. Next you go see a nurse who checks your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. She/he'll also prick your finger to test your blood clotting ability (make sure to have enough iron in your diet, especially women, if you want to pass this).
3. Now it is time for the donation. You will lie down on a "bed" or sit in a reclined chair and the nurse will ask you to spell your last name and tell him/her your birth date and your social security number. This is to double check with the information on the form that you filled out earlier. Next, the nurse will place a blood pressure cuff on your arm. The nurse will then prepare your arm (the inward side of the elbow) for the needle by cleaning it with an iodine solution. (If you're allergic to iodine, they have another way to clean your arm.) With a few grips of a supplied squishy ball or handle, they'll ask you to hold a fist. The nurse will then insert the needle. It's in! Now you'll alternate making a fist and relaxing it every 5 seconds until the nurse tells you that you're done. It's only about 10 minutes. Honest! He/she will fill a few extra vials for testing and then will take the needle out. A piece of gauze will be placed over the puncture. You'll take a grip with 3 fingers on the gauze and your thumb on the back of your elbow and raise your arm into the air. This is to help stop the bleeding. Once you've stopped bleeding, the nurse will put a band-aid on the puncture.
4. You'll slowly sit up and then walk over to a table, known as the canteen. That's where you get to eat all the cookies and veggies that you want! Drinks are also provided! It is strongly recommended that you stay at the canteen for 10-15 minutes. (If you're going to pass out, it will most likely be right after your donation, so it's good to be around those who can help you.) And hey, don't forget your sticker! You'll also receive a sheet on what to do for the next 24 hours - drink more, lift less, etc.
5. You're done! Thanks for donating!
Helping people and free food - what more could you ask for?!
Check out the webpage
from the Red Cross.
Updated: 08-10-2006