2007-02-28 06:32:02 · 16 answers · asked by Saber 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Most people can donate their blood despite the veins looking too small to the naked eye. When you go to donate for the first time, they will establish if there are any problems.
My daughter was recently turned down as a blood donor for having too small veins- it would cause bruising, and the flow of blood would be too slow so there would be an unacceptable risk of clotting. She has been told that is unlikely to change unless she gains several stone in weight! (She is already a healthy 9 and a half stone.)
2007-02-28 06:43:26 · answer #1 · answered by annie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to donate, my advice would be to go in and just try it. Drinking a LOT of water starting two or three days before hand, will help to make your veins bigger. (And you'll be out quicker)
The first time I went to donate, I was 17, and they were surprised; they told me that the veins they needed to use in my arm were actually smaller than the needles they used... so it is possible that your veins may be to small. But they'll know if it is safe to try. If they are too small, they'll try the other arm.
I wasn't able to donate that year. But I didn't give up. I went in a year later, and my veins were big enough. I don't know if I drank more water, or if my veins grew, but ever since then, I've been able to donate.
So just go in and see. They won't even attempt it if they are unsure.
Good luck!
2007-02-28 06:48:41 · answer #2 · answered by Barbara H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are different gauges of needles used. Many people have donated blood with all sorts of variations in vein size.
2007-02-28 06:44:51 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes they can miss as a warning. Don't worry though. If you have an experienced nurse she will be able to get it. Sometimes they will check both arms. Try to relax and hold still so they won't miss. I have very tiny veins as well and had the same problem. My fear of needles didn't help either, but it was worth it. Give it a chance:)
2007-02-28 06:45:23 · answer #4 · answered by Kelsey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to drink more water. It's easier to get blood from a well-hydrated person. Besides they use the deeper veins in your arm, not the little ones you see. Donating blood is a noble cause and I commend you for it.
2007-02-28 06:45:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have the person drawing your blood use " a butterfly needle". These needles are small and work really good on small veins.
2007-02-28 06:36:10 · answer #6 · answered by dymps 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You would be surprised at how large your veins really are. It is just that the part that is visible is not very large. They will still draw your blood.
2007-02-28 06:36:13 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you give blood they put a tourniquet on your arm and get you to exercise you hand - it make the veins easier to find - don't worry about them looking too small
2007-02-28 06:35:38 · answer #8 · answered by frogg135 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The veins that are visible are not usually the veins they use to take blood from. most people can give blood regardless of the size of their veins.
2007-02-28 06:34:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Blood can be drawn regardless of vein size...I know - I have small, collapsible veins...they always manage.
2007-02-28 06:35:12 · answer #10 · answered by sage seeker 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋