Tips for Blood Donation

By following the few recommendations before, during and after the blood donation, your blood donation experience can be made safe, successful and pleasant.

1. Before blood donation:
• Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich food.
• Get a good night sleep.
• Drink an extra quantity of 16oz of water and juices before donation.
• Have a good healthy meal at least 3 hours before the donating process.
• Avoid fatty foods such as hamburgers, fries or ice cream prior to donation.
• Avoid smoking on the day before donating. You can smoke 3 hours after donation.
• You are not allowed to consume alcohol at least 48 hours before donation.
2. During the blood donation:
• Wear clothes with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
• Co-operate with the phlebotomist to know if you have a preferred arm and show the staff any good veins that have been used successfully to draw blood in the past.
• Relax yourself properly during the donation. You can listen to music, talk to other donors or read during the process.
3. After the blood donation:
• Accept the snacks offered to you after donation. It is vital that you have them.
• You are recommended to have a good meal later.
• Drink plenty of fluids for the next 48 hours to replenish any fluid loss during the process.
• Avoid any strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours after the donation.
• In case of any feeling of light headedness, lie down preferably with head elevated, until the feeling passes by.
• If bleeding occurs after the removal of the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm for 3-5 minutes.
• If bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply the cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours.
• Enjoy the good feeling that comes after the donation for saving someone's life.