Giving blood can save someone's life and it might also extend your own. Donated blood is needed for transfusions when patients suffer traumatic blood loss or need blood replaced for medical reasons. Blood comes in several types and not all of them are compatible. It is especially important for those with scarce or rare blood types to donate so there is an adequate supply when it is needed. Donating blood has also been shown to provide a health benefit for some people.
Will It Hurt?
Giving blood involves little pain. There is a tiny needle prick, then a slight sensation of pressure at first. This subsides quickly and there is virtually no pain during and after the process.
Can I Catch a Disease?
It is impossible to contract a disease while giving blood. Regulations require new needles and bags to be used every time. The equipment is then destroyed and never used again.
Who Can Donate Blood?
Most healthy people who are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds can donate blood. People are excluded if they are pregnant, on certain medications, have certain diseases, had certain vaccinations or have recently been to certain parts of the world where there is a high risk of contamination.
What If I Am Turned Down?
If your reason for disqualification was temporary, you can give blood as soon as the issue is resolved. For example, if you are no longer pregnant or at least three years have passed since you traveled to a high risk area. People with diseases like HIV and hepatitis are not allowed to donate blood.
When Can I Give Blood?
You can give blood anytime, but you can only donate whole blood once every 56 days. If the donation only involves platelets, the wait is just 3 days.
What Happens When I Donate Blood?
You must first fill out an information survey detailing your health, medical and travel history. You will then be interviewed to determine your eligibility to donate blood. If you are selected, you will sit in a comfortable reclining chair while a rubber hose is wrapped around your upper arm. This helps the technician find your artery. A needle is inserted into the artery and your heart naturally pumps the blood into a bag. After about 10 minutes the needle is removed, a cotton swab and bandage are placed over the needle hole, and you are finished.
What Are the Side Effects?
Some people experience light-headedness after giving blood. This passes quickly. Blood donation facilities provide refreshments and encourage you to lie down for a few minutes after giving blood. Most people experience no other side effects.
Where Does My Blood Go?
Your blood is tested for safety before being sent to a medical facility to save lives. It is possible to designate your blood donation to go to yourself, a relative or a friend. Many people do this if they know they will need donated blood for surgery.
Is It Good for Me?
Kansas University Medical Center research shows that giving blood reduces the risk of heart disease for men and post-menopausal women. This is because high levels of iron in blood is linked to heart disease. Giving blood purges iron from the system the same way a menstrual cycle does for pre-menopausal women.
