Have you ever donated blood? What are the side effects - did you have any dizziness, fatigue etc.? Do you need to make an early appointment to get your tests done first or can you just come in and do everything at once?
2006-06-14 06:53:36 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
You do everything at once. first you fill out a questionnaire. Then you go to a lady who will determine if you are eligible to donate. She then pricks your finger and tests for anemia. If all goes well the donation process begins. When they finish collecting your blood (which only takes a few minutes after they get the needle in.) You sit at a table and munch for a few minutes until they say you can go. Usually they have chips, cookies, soda and juice. If you feel dizzy let them know. That's why you sit and wait.
I donate as often as I can. I have O- which is universal. It's the most in demand. Every time you donate you may be saving 3 lives. It feels really good.
2006-06-16 10:23:59 · answer #1 · answered by real_sweetheart_76 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will have to answer a few questions when you go in, and your blood will be tested after you donate it, so it all gets done at once. Some people get dizzy or nauseous, but not everyone. You are less likely to feel dizzy if you have had a meal within the last 1-2 hours.
2006-06-14 06:58:56 · answer #2 · answered by imzadi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I donate every few months
Some times I have felt dizzy or have had a headache after donating
I suggest you drink lots of water the day before, donation day and day after to prevent the dehydration headache feeling
No appointment is necessary at the Red Cross
they ask a bunch of questions you answer on the computer, they take a finger prick blood sample to see if Hematocrit (iron level) is acceptable- if not they don't let you donate
Everyone who is able to should donate at least once in their lifetime
2006-06-14 07:02:52 · answer #3 · answered by Mopar Muscle Gal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You walk in, they'll prick your finger and test your blood, and also they'll take your blood pressure measurements. If everything is good, they will allow you to donate blood. Side affects differ from person to person. You might get dizzy and feel like fainting. I personally had no side affects, the 3 times I've done this. They will give you cookies and juice right after donating to help you relax and get some food into your system.
2006-06-14 06:57:28 · answer #4 · answered by TheAnomaly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've donated blood before and it wasn't bad at all. I didn't have any dizziness or anything...but then again everyone is different. I live in Maine so I don't know if it's different in other states or whatnot about donating blood. But I just go in, sign in, fill out this questionaire thing, show them my id, they do a iron test...and then take my blood. That's it.
2006-06-14 06:57:37 · answer #5 · answered by myhopelesslyshatteredheart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are doing it through the red cross at a blood drive you can just show up. Be sure to drink plenty of extra fluids a couple of days before because if you are dehydrated your blood will clot and you won't be able to give. Some side effects are dizziness but just make sure you don't get up too fast. If you have high blood pressure or anemia they won't let you give.
2006-06-14 06:57:15 · answer #6 · answered by Mommyme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just drop in. I've been donating twice a year for 30 years. Never had any dizziness or other problems. Good for you .
2006-06-14 06:57:21 · answer #7 · answered by Atheist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've donated blood many times, and it's relatively painless (except for the finger stick). You can usually do everything when you come in, all in one visit, but it never hurts to call ahead to your local donation center and get their guidelines.
Here's some more info and help,
http://seniorhealth.about.com/library/prevention/bl_blood_donation.htm
Regards,
~Tia~
Live from the big, purple brain
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2006-06-14 07:00:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I have. I have fainted already from it. You need to drink caffeine and sugars before you go, that way you have less of a probelm feeling faint. Also eat a hearty breakfast. You can get everything done at once. They will screen you to see if you can give blood; ask medical questions and such.
2006-06-14 07:00:58 · answer #9 · answered by peacefreak2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can just walk in and donate. They will ask you a bunch of questions and check your iron and if everything is ok, you're good to go. Afterwards they give you juice and cookies and if you feel fine you can leave.
2006-06-14 06:57:01 · answer #10 · answered by icddppl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋