What advice would you give to a 1st time blood donor?
Posted by iceystealth@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 65 comments
I’m giving blood for the first time on Monday. And will admit I’m a bit nervous.
So if anyone has any advice of what expect etc, it would be appreciated?
I’ve made sure I’m going to hydrated before I go in, and I’ve made sure if qualify with the criteria for blood donation; including make sure I’ve met the additional requirements due being bisexual.
And although I’m scared of needles, I know that if don’t look at them, I’ll be fine in terms of my nerves.
mdmnl@reddit
Long time whole-blood donor, now a platelet-donor.
I'm the opposite of you - I have to watch the minutiae of it, hate the surprise of the needle. But you do you - staff have seen it all and more besides.
Not quite horror stories, just the suboptimal experiences I've seen and suffered:
One poor young lady passed out - but there's no panic, they just reclined her bed, ended the donation and lavished care on her in the form of tea and biscuits once she was conscious and recuperating.
Someone was chewing gum and choked during donation. Hint: don't chew gum.
If it's a horizontal bed, that perfect, just relax as best you can.
If it is the reclining kind, I'd recommend being laid near horizontal until you are happy with donating and knowing you won't feel faint.
Don't leap up afterwards, slow and steady. No smoking or vaping either, avoid too much stimulation, generally.
I need to take an extra couple of minutes after donating to be sure my arm won't bleed afterwards. Have made that mistake a a couple of times, won't do it again. If they ask you to put pressure on the gauze before the plaster they mean it
I had one whole blood donation fail half-way, they weren't sure why, but again it's no big deal.
I'm sure it'll be fine for you, great that you are trying.
Enjoy the biscuits, wear the sticker proudly!
Sea_Kangaroo826@reddit
I wish someone had told me how long it takes. It takes ages. I didn't know before going that they don't just suck the blood out with a big syringe, they let it drip slowly through the tube so it takes quite a while.
yellowsubmarine45@reddit
You can speed it up by doing the squeezing!
mdmnl@reddit
sihasihasi@reddit
It very much depends on you. Mine takes about 10 mins at most, they sometimes say "ooh, you're fast - won't be long!"
Second_Guess_25@reddit
I don't know where you donate, but the actual process of donating takes around 15-25 mins.
From start to finish at the door, around an hour in my 56 pints of experience.
I donate with The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and they're pretty efficient and have little machines that monitor the drawing of blood.
Sea_Kangaroo826@reddit
I didn't mean drip literally I suppose, I meant like it comes out slowly.
I donated 14 years ago when I was a student in the USA.
DameKumquat@reddit
It's a maximum of 15 minutes - I know this because my blood sometimes came out slowly so they'd make me roll a thingy in my hand to try to make it speed up, and one time nurses started cheering me on (got the unit out with 10 seconds to go!)
I can't donate any more, so if someone Redditors could go on my behalf, I'd appreciate it. My best friend is alive thanks to about 100 donors.
Mother_Composer_6069@reddit
There can also be quite a wait when you arrive. It'll depend where you go, but around here it takes about an hour end to end.
Wide-Challenge-4874@reddit
Make sure you have eaten. So if it's in the morning have breakfast or afternoon have lunch.
iceystealth@reddit (OP)
It’s a morning so I’m planning a big bowl of porridge before I set off
mdmnl@reddit
You'll be donating four-star Premium then.
PipBin@reddit
Everything that has already been said plus: you will get a cup when you go in to get water. Fill it up and drink. Keep hold of the cup to use when you have done squash afterwards.
Miserable_Bug_5671@reddit
The Mint Club biscuits are best.
Also, take it easy afterwards. Opening a car door into your own face isn't fun. Rest for a bit.
iceystealth@reddit (OP)
Oh mint clubs you say?
I fully intend to take it easy afterwards.
Walking over first thing in the morning; but a friend has said they will take me home.
And I fully intend to have a cup of tea and rest once I’m home.
PipBin@reddit
I walked to my last one and walked back, just over a mile each way.
Imperator_Helvetica@reddit
Frequent donator here - don't stress!
The Donor Carers (the nurses) are lovely and friendly and will answer any questions and are well used to people wanting to look away or otherwise avoid the needle - both for the donation and for the pinprick iron test. The experienced carers can put the needle in painlessly and the new ones have practiced with folks like me and at worst it's like an itchy scratch.
Drink plenty of water, have a decent breakfast and wear something with short sleeves so they can get at your 'elbow pit.' In the donor chair one of your arms will be out of action, so if you want to play on your phone, be ready to do it one-handed (quiet at the back!) or watch some of the TVs.
You can get a ball to squeeze to help blood-flow or clench and unclench your buttocks - weird but true.
You don't need to look at the needle at any point and once it's in it is taped down and you don't have to look at it, but if you're curious you can see the tubing and the warm blood pack being filled.
The Donor Carers are also cool if you want them to take a photo of it or you to look at later or post.
After about 10-15 minutes - depending on personal blood pressure you're done and they'll put a pad/plaster on your arm and wheel you over the trolley of treats! Here's where you get to...nay, have to sit still (but use both arms, it won't be painful) and eat something sugary, or salty and enjoy some water or juice. Both to replenish you and as a reward for being such a brave little tiger.
Also for contributing to literally saving lives! Go you!
After a few minutes of sitting, they'll check you're okay and then you can be on your way. They tell you what to do and what not to do - avoid exercise (one step ahead of you!) and alcohol for that evening and the plaster can come off next shower.
The Bi stuff is only really a concern if you've been paying for sex or having sex with someone you know to be at risky - all stuff written in the 80s - healthcare guidelines are very slow to change, but that's a rant for another time. Over caution really - in the same way a visit to America puts you at risk of West Nile virus (from the deep Mississippi swamps) even if you never left Manhattan Island.
Soon after you'll get your card telling you your blood type and a message telling you where your blood got used - if it got split for multiple patients or went to kids or maternity - births can need a lot of blood if things go wrong.
I might be lucky but the donation site never even really itched after a few hours - the tiny plaster on my finger tip was more annoying trying to type.
Thanks - we need more folk like you donating!
WatercressUpset8637@reddit
Go to the toilet before you get there. You'll be desperate after the pint you drink when you're there.
Mother_Composer_6069@reddit
Wear shorts sleeves. You won't be allowed to cover your arms until you leave, followed the drink and snack rewards for being a good person.
If you know which arm you'd prefer to donate from, let them know. Otherwise they'll just go with your less dominant arm.
Have your phone ready to fiddle with while you donate. It passes the time really quick.
Leave the big plaster on until you go to bed, then smother it in moisturiser before you go to sleep. It'll fall off in the morning if not before. Trying to remove it without moisturiser hurts more than the donation.
If you're sleepy a while after donating, have a nap. You've earned it.
Curious_Orange8592@reddit
This is good advice, as a lefty I've had to stop them from sticking my left arm on multiple occasions, they should ask but sometimes they're flowing and forget
Second_Guess_25@reddit
I'm a lefty and I actually prefer they use my left arm 99% of the time. It's on my donor records that I prefer my left arm for donations where possible 💪
Mother_Composer_6069@reddit
I'm right-handed, but I know I have better veins in my right arm.
Second_Guess_25@reddit
✅ Wear short sleeves
✅ Eat iron rich food the days prior to your donation to pass the finger prick test
✅ Drink a pint of water before going to the session (SNBTS actually have pint glasses of water at the ready to give their donors as they come through the doors. It's imperative to drink plenty fluids so you don't faint 💦
✅ Please have a snack and a drink at the end of the session. It's there as a thank you, but also to help your fluid and blood sugars too 👍
Justme-scotland@reddit
Ask the nurses questions, if you are unsure ask for a local anaesthetic. Make sure you have eaten plenty before you go. Park nearby. Try to relax, keep moving your fingers when you’re donating it helps the flow of blood. If something feels off mention it straight away.
zoomph5467@reddit
Just don't look at the needle going in.
Watching the blood transfer is kind of cool, but there's an instinct to run aways from things puncturing your skin even if you know logically it's not a big deal. So if you just don't bother looking, it just makes it significantly less freaky.
DameKumquat@reddit
Drink plenty (not alcohol!) before and after for 24 hours.
Treat yourself to a nice meal after.
Agitated_Parsnip_178@reddit
The biggest surprise is probably the waiting beforehand but it's a pretty slick good natured organisation. The vast majority of people don't watch the needle. It takes probably one-two missippisi then secured with tape. Then, most people read a book for 5-10 min or play on their phone. Then it'll beep and your donation will be done and time for a snack!
a-liquid-sky@reddit
The nurses are all lovely. Don't be afraid to tell them that you're nervous!
Drink a lot of water and eat a lot beforehand! Big breakfast/lunch, even if you normally don't have very much.
For me personally, the finger prick to check your iron levels is the worst bit (you can't see the needle for that though, it's just a bit painful as it's in your fingertip).
iceystealth@reddit (OP)
I’ve found telling most medical people that I’m scared so don’t be upset if I close my eyes usually makes things easier.
But yeah I’ll definitely tell them.
And yes I’ll make I eat, and take plenty of water with me
Still-BangingYourMum@reddit
1st of all thank you for taking the decision to donate blood, we need more people like yourself to donate. As someone who has been at both ends of the donation chain, I cant say enough about how vitally important it is.
Let the nurses know you are worried about donating, and listen to there advice, I would also take headphones and listen to a /HFY story on YouTube.
Thank you
EyeSpy1359@reddit
The nurses are always very friendly and chatty, especially the ones that insert and manage the cannula so they do their best to distract you. I'm sure you'll be fine - well done for becoming a donor 🙌
MrHlk2020@reddit
Don't take it in a bucket, people start asking too many questions.
660trail@reddit
Do not under any circumstances, drink alcohol after donating blood. And probably for the following few days afterwards as well.
Narrow-Device-3679@reddit
I made this mistake, night out the day after. Wowsers, I got drunk quick. Not a good drunk either.
gerrineer@reddit
So cheap night out then?
Loralea13@reddit
I second this, had a couple of drinks and fainted the bar in a busy Wetherspoons. 🙈
iceystealth@reddit (OP)
Yes, I can see alcohol being a bad thing after giving blood.
Good thing I don’t drink anymore
Brasssection@reddit
Honestly youll be so delighted with yourself after no need worry! Come back when your donating platelets, thats a different ballgame.
iceystealth@reddit (OP)
I was looking into platelets donation as well but I’m guessing that’s a bit more intense
Brasssection@reddit
Its a pretty strange sensation but a wholesome endeavour, i would encourage anyone that can to do it, takes a bit longer than giving blood and they like you to be committed to keep coming rather than one off donations. Giving blood still super cool though good on you !
hollsybolls@reddit
Best advice I've had is to be really hydrated the day before as well as the day of donation. Makes your blood flow much better so hopefully you're on the machine for less time.
Also maybe take a stress ball or something to squeeze in your fist, it helps with the flow. I have a little plushy lemon I bought from Flying Tiger!
Mammoth_logfarm@reddit
Eat something. Last time I donated I was on a diet and hadn't eaten that day. I started to pass out lol- they swung my chair up so my legs were up and head was down, and wouldn't let me leave until I had eaten a Wagon Wheel 😂
It doesn't hurt, but you might have an achy arm afterwards.
Additional-Guard-211@reddit
Eat and drink plenty before you go. They measure your iron so if thats low you wont be able to donate (they say their threshold is high, i have only been rejected when i had really just been eating crap and drinking etc) so make sure you eat well over the next few days! There is even a chance they may ask you to sign up to the bone marrow register, which is another extremely important cause (they just take an extra tube for tests and stuff and then add you to a entirely different register of potential marrow doners). Yeah you can feel the needle going in, but you got to remember that peoples lives literally depend on people giving blood- there is no alternative and that pain is far far worse. You must stay behind for 15 mins at the end and you must keep your arm so they can see, you MUST not do any exercise, heavy lifting or operate dangerous machinery- normal driving is fine as long as you feel ok, i mean you could make alternative arrangements just for your first time i guess. I cant donate at the moment due to a car accident, but remember you are literally saving peoples lives.
GreekVicar@reddit
If you're on a "bed" while you're donating you'll have to do a good bit of twisting about to see the needle. Less so if it's one of those new fancy comfortable chairs
I gave 50 times before having to stop because of a heart op - as a first timer you will get more care than the old hands. At one time they gave you a bed to lie on after the donation, away from the riff raff :)
As I haven't been allowed to donate for over 13 years I'm probably way behind the times of what happens now - but I bet they're still as caring and appreciative as they've always been
Octoboy1@reddit
Don't forget you gave blood and an hour later go out a for meal and have a pint with your meal
Cheap night out that was.....
nick9000@reddit
Speaking from experience - make sure you've eaten. They'll give you water while you're waiting but it's important you have had a meal. I donated without eating one time - it was embarrassing to nearly pass out when trying to get up off the bed (they use fancy chairs now).
Also, well done to become a donor. Unfortunately recent illness means I probably won't be able to donate again and I know that they are in need of 'new blood'.
GlassHouses_1991@reddit
Hydration is the most important thing. Start the day before and drink as much as you can. If you can avoid having ibuprofen or paracetemol for 48 hours beforehand, your blood will be suitable for premature babies (one of the nurses there told me this).
I hate needles, but I donate as often as I can anyway. Like someone else mentioned, the finger needle prick is the most painful part for me. They’ll tell you about the exercises you should do while you’re having the blood withdrawn. And the actual donation only takes 5-10 minutes.
Enjoy lots of squash and biscuits once you’re finished, and you’ll get an email a week or two afterwards to let you know which hospital your blood has gone to. It’s a really gratifying feeling.
Ok-Spite-5454@reddit
I don't know if this is anywhere online but the last time I donated they told me anyone below 50kg regardless of height isn't allowed to donate and I almost couldn't! So just a heads up for you I guess if you're on the lighter side of the scale. Other than that, enjoy the experience and well done!
iceystealth@reddit (OP)
Oh I definitely weigh more than 50kg so I’ve not to worry about that.
Sage-Freke-@reddit
Make sure you have enough to eat within a couple of hours of donating. I had no issues with my first 10 donations and fainted when trying to get up after the 11th because I hadn’t eaten for a few hours and came round with 3-4 people fanning me.
Hogmaloo25@reddit
Eat and drink well before the donation.
You will have to read through some leaflets before donating and they will offer you more drink. They then take a small finger prick of blood (similar to how diabetics take blood glucose readings) to make sure your iron levels are nice and high so you don’t become anaemic.
If all is well they will proceed with the donation. They will have a look at your veins to make sure they are big enough to take the needle. The needle is quite big but it is honestly just a sharp scratch and you soon forget about it. As you are a first timer, they will keep an extra eye on you.
Take it easy after donating; eat and drink well from the snacks they offer and don’t do any vigorous exercise for the rest of the day. If you feel dizzy, rest and drink plenty of water. Avoid tea as it reduces iron absorption. Good luck!
Optimal_Collection77@reddit
You can take more than 1 kit kat
Ordinary_Chart_4251@reddit
just keep breathing haha. and make sure to sufficiently hyydrate and load up after. good job on donating blood!
iceman2g@reddit
Don't look at the needle and you'll be fine. If you've ever had blood taken for any other reason, it's no different than that - even though the needle stays in for longer, it's only the insertion that you feel.
Make the most of the biscuits and crisps afterwards, and don't be afraid to let the staff know if you feel faint at any time. They are there to look after you, and they are always all lovely.
You're doing a good thing OP, well done. It's OK to be nervous.
Complex_Box_7254@reddit
Eat a banana about 10 minutes before you go in. My partner feels faint when she donates and that's the trick to her feeling okay.
iceystealth@reddit (OP)
I would but I don’t like bananas.
But I’ll take something I can nibble on for the journey home after my donation.
a-liquid-sky@reddit
You will get snacks afterwards! There'll be a variety of crisps, biscuits and chocolate bars, and you'll have to eat and drink something (water/squash) before you can leave.
I tend to go for a kitkat 😋
Pyjama365@reddit
If you don't like seeing the needle, take a book/kindle app on your phone and say "I'm not being rude, I just don't want to watch the needle go in" and then face the other way. They are absolutely understanding of it.
You will likely be in a big hall, so the waiting area is open to where the people donating are, so you can see how chill they all are.
Also have a snack beforehand so you don't get feeling wobbly.
noodlyman@reddit
You'll be fine. They look after you, and know what they're doing.
I nearly fainted the first time, but been ok since. They're used to it if you do though, so it's not really an issue!
Take the advice to rest and drink plenty before you go in, that's all!
ResplendentBear@reddit
Enjoy the free biscuits.
Expect to be delayed and treated like you have ebola and the hantavirus even if you appear perfectly well. The rules are designed for safety of course, but to the layman, they seem designed to stop you giving blood at all. (Much like the rules of this sub successfully stop most questions being asked...).
Don't be one of those people who cause a scene by feinting or "spraying out" everywhere after donating. (Joking, you can't actually help this, and it's better to go and feint than not go at all).
yellowsubmarine45@reddit
The bisucit and drink afterwards isn't JUST to give you sugar and hydration. Its so you sit there for a few minutes so they can keep an eye on you. As a first timer, accept it and take a few minutes to make sure you don't feel faint. But seriously, its fine and easy. Don't sweat it. I usually feel a kind of empty ache just above where they take it out, but otherwise its fine.
boringandgay@reddit
Bring a book or some music. It can take a while
JWills1k92@reddit
Hi Op, firstly- well done! Just signing up is a big step for many people so well done.
I have donated 17 times now and honestly, it is the friendliest experience you'll have with healthcare professionals.
Usually, they ask a few questions before you donate on an ipad of sorts, then check your iron levels (small prick of the finger) then the donation. It's meticulously sanitised, and once the needle goes in you just sit there and enjoy!
Make sure to tell them you are afraid of needles and they'll be more than happy to look after you more. Weirdly I have no issue with the needle but hate having my iron tested!!- very common apparently!
morbidcuriosity123@reddit
The advice would be what you already know. Hydrated.. make sure you drink and eat before you go. Im a regular doner, its easy, takes about an hour altogether from getting there to finishing.. donate part it about 10 to 15 minutes. Relax , you will be fine. Well done for doing it.
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