I already know you have to be 17 and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. So I decided that on my 17th Birthday I was gonna donate blood, but as this is going to be my first time I'm a little nervous. Any advice?
2007-01-05 12:16:45 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Drink lots of water to keep your blood volume up.
Eat well and avoid fatty foods a few days before you donate. It makes it easier for them to test your iron levels.
Have a list of medications you take with you so they can know whether or not your blood is okay.
Stay healthy - i.e. do not go if you have been exposed to cold or flu because your blood cannot be used if you get a cold or the flu soon after donating.
2007-01-05 12:26:34 · answer #1 · answered by Treadstone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you need to know what blood type you are. But if you don't know what type you are, they will run tests and let you know.
Make sure that you eat enough before you give blood. The reason why is so you won't pass out or anything. After you give blood you can also eat some snacks, but it's better if you eat a hearty breakfast before.
Second you need to know if you are healthy enough to give blood. You need to make sure you don't have any blood borne diseases such as Aids, malaria, or any other diseases. They will ask you on a questionaire if you've been in a different country (and what country), if you had sex, and the type of medication you have taken in the past and present.
Don't forget your ID.. they will be asking for your drivers license also!
Other than that, it's really easy to do and congratulations on saving at least 3 people's lives by donating blood! You should feel proud! :)
2007-01-05 12:27:14 · answer #2 · answered by lindsay_4524 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm glad for you, congratulations. There is no telling how many people you may help just by giving that pint. Now they'll lay you on a cot like chair....to get comfortable. They'll put a needle in a vein on the inside of your elbow (the medical term is for this area is antecubital fossa). So just relax and let them do this. Now you may feel weak, some people get nauseated, and sometimes (very seldom) people actually faint. The best thing to do is to eat a good breakfast that morning. Don't go party or nothing the night before. They may over some juice or cookies to you when you're finished. Most of the time you'll get a T-shirt (that's what they do at home). If you get a T-shirt, wear it proudly. You just may have saved a life. I wish you the best of luck.
2007-01-05 12:30:46 · answer #3 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
donating blood is a fantastic thing to do! I have donated 4 times myself - In Australia you are legally able to donate blood at 16 with a guardian's permission, or at 18 without guardian's consent.
if you have a look at this website - http://www.arcbs.redcross.org.au/
it should give you all the information you need regarding the donating process, about blood, where it goes etc. This information should be the same regardless of the country, but you may still want to check out the necessities for you (there should be a relevant site in your country)
tips before donating -
make sure you eat before you go
drink lots and lots of water (before and after you donate)
bring proof of identity
make sure you know of all the medication you are on
2007-01-05 12:29:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The have a questionairre(extensive) for you to fill out. Then a nurse will take you in a little room or whatever is there, and go over your answers with you to see if you're a good candidate. When you first arrive, they do a finger prick and test your iron(they put a drop of your blood in a little cup of solution and if it falls to the bottom within so many seconds your have enough iron in your blood).
(This is based on the Canadian system)
2007-01-05 12:36:33 · answer #5 · answered by Lisa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
surely i cant donate blood cos i m blood s u c ok e r no longer giver. once I surely have donated the blood to 3 , yet in a protracted time her each and every of the blood soaked via my blood cells and decrease back to my physique, because of the fact that than i on no account donate my blood to anybody. if u want to take any probability, i can donate to u. lol
2016-10-06 12:23:00 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eat a good breakfast with protein and fibre, drink plenty of water!! water not anything with caffeine , and bring water to sip while donating. and after have something to eat that has iron in it like liver or dark vegetables.
2007-01-05 12:27:52 · answer #7 · answered by garfield 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not have a cold. Feel good. Dont be afraid it only hurts for a second----the vampires are usually pretty nice.
2007-01-05 12:25:17 · answer #8 · answered by nickle 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you should know what type you are and if your blood is healthy ,so you need to check it out .maybe you can sell it for more if it is quality and rare
2007-01-05 12:21:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing to worry about. You need to see what the age limit is.
2007-01-05 12:19:53 · answer #10 · answered by lyyman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋