What should I know about donating blood?

Question

I am donating blood for the first time monday, anyone have any tips?

Do i have to know my blood type?

Answer 1

They will check your blood type every time you donate. The best thing to do is keep well hydrated drink plenty of water before you go to donate. This is said to help your blood flow faster. (Don't know how much truth to that though.) It's a very simple process to donate blood and the person drawing the blood will guide you and tell you what u need to know.
Afterwards you hang around and munch for about 10-15 min. or so, they provide chips or cookies and soda, water, and juice to drink. This is to make sure you don't get weak and dizzy.
And I'm sure those needing your blood thank you.
Remember every time you donate you make available enough blood to save up to 3 lives.

Answer 2

You should get enough to drink the day before donating blood. There are certain age and weight requirements, ie you must be at least 17 years old and weigh a minimun of 110 pounds. There will be nurses there to answer any other questions. The process is no more painful than when the doctor takes blood for tests. Hope this helps

Answer 3

THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!!!!
Be sure to eat lots of food with iron between now and then - and continue for a few days afterwards. The iron will help you make more blood cells. Iron rich foods are red meats, and green leafy vegetables like broccoli and also raisins. Or you can take a multivitamin with Iron. Your body will absorb the iron easier if you drink a glass of orange juice with it. And avoid caffeine - it keeps you from absorbing the iron. The day before and day of the blood drive drink lots of fluids. You might eat about an 1-2 hours before donating - I always feel better if I eat first.
You will get a card in the mail with your blood type on it.
Blood donors are everyday heroes!!!

Answer 4

They'll check you in, prick your finger to test the iron content of your blood (if it sinks in the water vial it's good, if it floats for too long they'll have you come back another day), you lie on a bed and they'll find a vein (you get to choose which arm), then when you're all hooked up they'll have you squeeze your fist to help pump the blood a little faster. Takes about 20 mins once you're on the bed. After, you'll lie for a little while and then you can go off for a cup of tea (not on first visit or if you feel sick), juice and snacks. They're very nice and chatty and will help you if you're not well for any reason. Then you go home feeling great!

Answer 5

RELAX! they will ask you a few health questions. The initial poke hurts just a little. the rest is easy. You can not contract any disease from donating blood. They give you cookies and juice when you are done! It's a very humane thing to do. You'll feel good about yourself afterwards! I'm proud of you! I hope you inspire others to donate!

Answer 6

donating blood is the act by which you give away some of your blood.
hope that helps!

Answer 7

It's no big deal. You reminded me that I haven't donated in about a year. I will go next week.

You have made a decision that will save someone's life. I hope you do it often.

Answer 8

Eat a good breakfast monday so you're less likely to faint. Its a great thing you're doing for other people. Good Luck.

Answer 9

make sure you eat that day, and if you smoke try to avoid it before you donate atleast 2 hrs. it may hurt a bit but not that bad. be brave

Answer 10

just make sure you've eaten a good amount the day before. you could feel a little weak aferwards. so they usually make you stay for like 15 minutes and give you food to get you a lil energy back.