World Blood Donor Day - What Is It Like to Donate Blood?
Jun 14, 2019
Hey Everybody,
Today is World Blood Donor day! What better way to spend the day than by donating blood! Donating blood can be a scary thing if you’ve never done it before, so if you’re thinking of donating blood but are too nervous, I’m going to put your mind at ease by giving a step by step look at what the process is like:
Before you donate you should know that there are some regulations on who can donate blood. Before going to a clinic make sure you check to see if you fit into the category of eligible donors. Click this link to take a quick test to see if you are eligible.
Once you know that you fit into eligibility you can either book an appointment online or you can walk in at the clinic closest to you.
Once you arrive at the clinic you will be asked to answer a series of questions on a computer to ensure that you are definitely eligible, and then you will be asked to take a seat.
Next, you’ll be called into a small room where a nurse will confirm your identity with your ID, test the hemoglobin levels of your blood by pricking your finger, your blood pressure, and body temperature. Then, you will be given a bag that you hand to the nurse when you go to donate.
You will then take a seat in the waiting area and once you’re called you give the bag to the nurse. The nurse will then clean your arm and will place the needle in your arm. All you have to do is sit and wait for about ten minutes while you donate!
After you have filled a bag with about 450mL of blood the nurse will take the needle out, clean your arm and put a band aid on it.
Finally, for an added bonus you get free cookies and juice!
It’s as simple as that! The entire process of donating should take about thirty minutes to an hour and in the end you get to save a life! If you would like more information here’s a link to everything you should know before donating. Now that you know what it’s like and how easy the process is, get out there and donate today!
