Donating blood is a small sacrifice that can make a big difference. Fortunately, it is very easy to do and only requires a few small preparations. First, contact your nearest medical clinic or donor association to find out if you are eligible. Bring your ID with you on the day of pickup, wear short-sleeved or loose-fitting clothing, and make sure you are fit and hydrated. After a brief analysis of your medical condition, you will feel a little pinch and you can go home with the satisfaction of having helped save a life.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Give Blood
Step 1. Find out if you are an eligible donor
To donate blood you must be at least 18 years old and of normal weight, so from 50 kg upwards. In some places you can donate blood even if you are a minor, but only with the written consent of your parents. Call your local donor association and ask what requirements they are looking for.
- Some factors that can prevent you from donating blood include a cold or the flu, pregnancy, having sexually transmitted diseases, or having undergone organ transplants.
- Recent use of certain medications, such as antidepressants, birth control drugs, and pain relievers such as aspirin can also prevent you from donating blood.
Step 2. Find a blood bank or donor association
The best choice is to contact AVIS (Italian Blood Volunteers Association), which collects most of the donations in Italy. Other associations with an excellent reputation are the FIDAS (Italian Federation of Blood Donor Associations) and the Italian Red Cross donor group.
- Connect to the AVIS website and look for their nearest office.
- If there is no location nearby, you can search for mobile donation centers located on minibuses. These move to various cities to make the service accessible even to those who live far from big cities.
Step 3. Drink lots of water
It is important to be well hydrated to donate blood, because water is an essential component for good circulation. Try to drink at least half a liter before going to donate. You can also drink fruit juice or decaffeinated tea.
- Being well hydrated will also help you not feel lightheaded while your blood is being drawn.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, and soft drinks, which can dehydrate you.
Step 4. Have a well balanced meal
Make sure you put something in your stomach before you go to the clinic. A full meal includes fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates (such as bread, pasta, or potatoes), fiber, and lean protein.
- Supplement your diet with extra iron in the week leading up to donation day by taking in red meat, spinach, beans, fish and poultry. The body is used to make red blood cells.
- It is best to limit the amount of fat you eat, as they can build up in the arteries and affect the purity of the blood.
Step 5. Bring ID
Most clinics require donors to bring identification, which can be an identity card, driver's license or passport. You will introduce him to the secretariat when you arrive.
Don't forget to bring your donor card with you if you have it. By showing it you will skip all the filling in of paper forms
Step 6. Dress appropriately
Some outfits will speed up the donation process. Short-sleeved shirts, or wide-sleeved shirts that you can easily roll up; they will make it much easier for the operator to find the right spot for picking. In addition, shirts with wide sleeves will not obstruct blood flow.
- If you have to dress warmly because it's cold, do it so that you can quickly take off the outer garments.
- It's a good idea to take a sweatshirt or light jacket with you even if it's not cold. Your body temperature drops slightly when donating blood, so you may need it. However, if you start to feel colder in your arm where you are being sampled, let the operator know, it could be dangerous.
Part 2 of 3: Complete the Donation Process
Step 1. Provide basic medical information
At check-in you will be given some forms to fill out. You will be asked for medical history, any illnesses, recent injuries or unusual conditions. Answer each question as honestly and accurately as possible.
- Be sure to mention any medications you have recently taken, including any details that may be relevant;
- It may be a good idea to write down key points in your medical history in advance to avoid forgetting something important.
Step 2. Sit down for a physical check-up
You will then be given a short exam to confirm that your heart rate, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels are normal. The operator will also take note of height, weight, gender and age. Once this is done, you will be ready for withdrawal; your arm will be correctly positioned and the injection site tamponed.
- The quick check-up is important to ascertain your physical condition and ensure that the blood drawn comes from a healthy person;
- For hemoglobin counts and iron levels, the technician will prick your finger to analyze a drop of blood.
Step 3. Sit or lie down
Tell the operator in which position you prefer to be during the collection and from which arm to carry it out. Once you're ready, relax and get comfortable. You will feel a small pinch and then a slight cool sensation as the machine draws the blood.
The donation takes about 8-10 minutes, until about half a liter of blood is collected
Step 4. Keep busy during the withdrawal
A book, smartphone, or mp3 player can be a pleasant distraction while you have to sit still. If you don't have one, you can always have a chat with the operator or make a mental to-do list. 8-10 minutes may seem like a long time, but you'll see it's all over before you know it.
- Make sure whatever activity you want to do to pass the time doesn't make you move too much. You will need to keep your arm perfectly still during the collection.
- If the sight of blood bothers you, focus your attention on other points in the room.
Part 3 of 3: Post Donation Recovery
Step 1. Rest
When you're done donating, take it easy for 15-20 minutes. Almost all clinics have a designated area where donors can regain their strength. If you feel dizzy or disoriented for the next 24 hours, lie down and lift your legs. This feeling will soon pass.
- For at least 5 hours after the donation, avoid strenuous activities such as going to the gym, playing sports or mowing the lawn.
- Be careful walking around if you are prone to fainting. Low blood pressure can cause lightheadedness. It's best to use the handrails as you go up or down stairs, or have someone guide you until this feeling has passed.
Step 2. Do not remove the dressing on the arm
Leave it for the next 5 hours. When the needle injection site stops bleeding, it is no longer needed. Over the next 24 hours, however, the area may swell, become inflamed, or a bruise may form. Put ice on to relieve these symptoms.
- If the operator has applied an additional bandage, remove it after a couple of hours to let the arm breathe;
- Wash the area periodically with warm soapy water to avoid erythema or infection.
Step 3. Recover lost fluids
Over the next two days, drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated beverages to hydrate properly. Water is essential for making blood. Any feelings of fatigue or disorientation should disappear within a few hours.
- It is normal to feel a little tired after giving blood. This happens because the circulatory volume and tissue oxygenation have decreased compared to usual.
- Do not drink alcohol for the next 24 hours. It may increase clotting time and thus delay the closure of the needle entry site, which may make you feel worse and increase the risk of bleeding. Consuming alcohol will also make you urinate more, dehydrating you more.
Step 4. Wait at least 8 weeks before donating again
If you decide to do it again, at least 56 days will have to pass. For women, however, at least 84 must pass, since it must be taken into account that with the menstrual cycle they lose a lot of iron. During this time the lost blood cells are completely replaced and their concentration returns to normal. You will be able to donate again without taking unnecessary risks.
- If you only donate platelets, you can do it again after 3 days or you can donate whole blood after a week.
- There is no limit to the number of times you can donate blood. The more you do it, the more you can make a difference.
Advice
- Encourage your friends and partner to donate blood. It can be a very rewarding experience because you have a real opportunity to help people in need.
- You can donate even if you have type 1 diabetes, as long as your insulin levels are normal.
- If you have any questions or concerns regarding the donation, ask your doctor or the representatives of the center. They will be happy to give you all the answers you are looking for down to the smallest detail.
