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Advice for first-time donors
Anxiety and fears are normal. Many people are afraid of donating blood. Once you have donated, you will realize how easy it is, and you will probably come back often! Asking questions will help you relax. Remember to think about this experience as an opportunity to help people who are ill.
Before donating, you should know...
- What is the first step? You will need to provide basic information, such as your name, address, age, etc. You will also be asked about your medical history, and a drop of your blood will be analyzed for hemoglobin (iron) level. Your pulse, blood pressure and temperature will also be checked.
- How long does blood donation take? The duration of the actual donation is 10-15 minutes, not including the time you will need to rest. The total process takes about 35 to 45 minutes.
- How will I feel after donating blood? The majority of people feel fine, especially if you have eaten a regular meal before donating. When you are finished, drink lots of liquids for the next 24 hours.
- Can I donate during my menstrual period? Yes, if you feel fine.
- How soon can I play sports? Avoid exercise, rough movements, and heavy activities such as weight lifting or picking up objects for four to five hours after the donation.
- What is the waiting period from one blood donation to the next? The waiting period to donate blood is 56 days. (You can donate whole blood up to 6 times per year.)
- Is there any possibility of contracting the HIV virus or other infections? No. All the materials used for the collection of blood are sterile and have never been used before. All the materials used for your donation are thrown away immediately after they are used.
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