2007-11-28 15:04:35 · 7 answers · asked by 123456 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Yes, you can still donate!(please do) The needle is somewhat thicker than a pencil lead, but not much. It does sting a bit going in but think of the good you are doing. I always feel great the next day after donating. Thanks for a good question!
2007-11-28 15:10:39 · answer #1 · answered by thrill88 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can certainly donate on birth control! The needle is a 16 gauge needle but it is extremely sharp and quite painless according to the thousands I've stuck in the blood bank. Just don't look!!!
2007-11-28 15:13:15 · answer #2 · answered by Diane A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, please donate! You can donate even if you're on birth control.
The needle size use depends on what type of blood donation. If whole blood is collected, they use a 16 gauge needle. If they're just collecting the component of your blood like red blood cells only, a smaller needle is used such as a 17 or 18 gauge.
2007-11-28 16:54:48 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. K 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I can remember correctly it is a 19 gauge.
As long as you do not have any new tatoo's or contact with hepatitis that you are aware of, the birth control should not be a problem. If you have good veins and a good phlebotomist you should not have any problems donating as often as every eight weeks for whole blood. If you want to donate plasma (the white cells or liquid portion of your blood) you can donate as often as twice in a seven day period as long as you are able to get your red cells back.
Be a "happy pumper"!
2007-11-28 15:16:53 · answer #4 · answered by Tabonie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't let the needle size scare you! If you make prior arrangements, the phlebotomist can apply a topical anesthetic over the area where the needle is to be inserted. You wait about a half an hour and the area is pretty numb.
Birth control is no problem.
Blood donors are sorely needed. (Perhaps I should have used a different adjective!) Don't let a brief moment of discomfort dissuade you.
2007-11-29 03:17:19 · answer #5 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure about the needle size.
But the other, yes; you can donate blood on the pill.
2007-11-28 15:13:37 · answer #6 · answered by alpla 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can't tell you the precise size, but it is about the size used when you have lab tests.
Birth control s/b no problem.
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2007-11-28 15:10:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
why would you give away for free something that the hospital will charge hundreds of dollars for?
Blood is big business and not the best medicine.
2007-11-28 15:13:32 · answer #8 · answered by jsied96 5 · 0⤊ 5⤋