While at least half of all Americans are eligible to donate blood, reports show that only about 5 percent actually do. If you are in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and are older than 17, you can donate blood every 8 weeks. However, it helps if you know what to expect once you arrive at the blood bank or blood drive location to donate.
Instructions
1. Drink lots of water the day before you donate to help keep your blood pressure up. Although you should not eat right before you give blood, it’s not a good idea to donate blood on a completely empty stomach either.
2. Avoid drinks with caffeine and eating fast foods if you are planning to donate blood later in the day. Eat foods high in iron a few hours beforehand, and drink orange juice for Vitamin C to help increase iron absorption.
3. Bring along some form of identification to the blood bank or donation center, as you will be asked to provide your name, date of birth and social security number.
4. Be certain to tell the interviewer if you are allergic to iodine, natural latex rubber or tape. Also, inform that person if you are anemic, running a fever, or have traveled to Mexico or other areas in the Caribbean within the last year.
5. Once you are finished giving blood, tell one of the volunteers if you feel faint, dizzy or nauseated, or experience pain or tingling down your arm.
6. After you have donated blood, you will be asked to rest for about 15 minutes in an observation area where you will be offered a light snack before you leave. Later, if you continue to bleed at the needle-stick site after removing the bandage from your arm, contact a health care professional.
Tags: donate blood, blood bank, will asked