My school does it every year and this month i will finally be old enough. what does it feel like? what do YOU do. What is the process the nurses go thru? I need info please. how big is the needle
2007-02-01 12:59:30 · 6 answers · asked by Courtney 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
you will go in and fill out a health questionaire. They will ask you verbally about some sexual practices and whether you have engaged in them. You will get a finger prick and they will test the drop of blood to be sure you're not anemic. They will have you sit in a semi-reclining position and put a tourniquet on your arm. Once a vein makes itself apparent, they will insert the needle. The needle is about twice the diameter of the one that they use for giving shots since they are withdrawing instead of injecting. I have deep veins but they have never missed on me. I have low blood pressue and a slow heartrate (63) so it takes me about 30 minutes to give a pint. I've seen people do it in 10 minutes. Once you're done, they'll pull the needle and they'll have you hold a cotton pad over the site with your other hand and put the arm they drew blood from over your head for at least a minute. Then they'll put one of those compression bandages over it to hold the cotton in place. They'll have you sit up slowly to make sure you're not lightheaded and then they'll have lemonade or gatorade and cookies to get your blood sugar up. Whatever you do, don't work out or anything after. Did that once. I almost passed out. Got tunnel vision. Go home, put your feet up, drink lots of water, have a healthy dinner and go to bed at a decent hour. Consider it your reward for doing a good deed. Hope that helps. Donating blood is a great way to help someone out.
2007-02-01 13:22:01 · answer #1 · answered by dakirk123 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
THANK YOU! It is VERY easy to give blood! I haven't done it in a while due to various reasons, but I used to do it frequently. I had a college roomate with a hemophiliac nephew and we were very aware of the need and quite glad to give. So many people--including children--depend on blood donations. Please do it if you are able!
Yes--there is a needle involved. I say "big deal!" It doesn't really hurt. A pinch--yes. Hurt? No Way! I know pain, and donating blood isn't it! They just put the needle into your arm and tell you to squeeze your hand. All you do is lay there for a little bit while you fill up a small bag. You will be asked a few questions upon your arrival. And--at least when I was able to be a regular donar--there were always refreshments offered afterwards. I guess as an energy booster. I'm sure they probably still do that just as a slight replenishment issue, although I don't know that for sure.
Please give blood if you can! You are wonderful for wanting to know about it!
2007-02-01 21:20:19 · answer #2 · answered by team_bar1o 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The nurse told me (on my 3rd blood donation) that you should drank VAST amounts of water the day before. Your veins will be more hydrated and easier to see so they can insert the needle in much more efficiently and not miss or keep poking at it (which hurts A LOT). I'm a bit squemish about the whole thing but theres nothing bad about it at all. Just don't look at the insertion of the needle and relax. It hurts for the one second when the needle penetrates your skin and then you just wait for the blood bag to fill up. Enjoy the cookies and refreshments they provide!
2007-02-01 22:07:34 · answer #3 · answered by Wren 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The just poke you with a big needle (it doesn't hurt as much as some needles) and drain about a pint of blood out of you... it usually does not hurt beyond the initial poke.. and it may make you a little weak afterwards (after all you have less blood to provide oxygen for your body)...
They will probably test your blood for iron levels and other things before they take any.. they will also ask you a lot of questions about any sicknesses you have had.. or tatoos (you can't give blood for a year if you have a tatoo).. etc...
It is easier if you DON'T watch them poke the needle into you.
2007-02-01 21:36:28 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Tom♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be sure to eat before you go. You'll regret it if you don't but they should provide some snacks at the location its being held.They have you fill out the form. They ask you plenty of questions in the beginning and measure your blood pressure, stick your (usually middle.. left hand) finger to draw a sample to see your blood type. After the load of questions they have you wait for the next open spot. As you lay down or sit. They have you position your arm a certain way so it would make the blood flow easier. They'll put orangish fluid on you (its cold btw) to cleanse the area. After all those procedures, you're all set to share you blood to those in need. I hope I was of help to you. Good luck.
2007-02-01 21:10:31 · answer #5 · answered by teresanguyen7 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it isnt that bad! i have given over a gallon. you will have to go thru quite a screening process. i dont like needles so i just dont look at it. it really does a lot of good, so please give it a try!! GOOD LUCK
2007-02-01 21:03:27 · answer #6 · answered by mongo862001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋