The steps in the process are:
Before Donating Blood
- The actual donation takes about 5-8 minutes, during which you will be seated comfortably
- When a unit of blood (350 – 450 ml) has been collected, the donation is complete.
- A staff person will place a bandage on your arm
- Registration of Donor
Our staff will ask you to fill a form with brief information on contact details and medical history.
- Physical Health check-up
You will be examined by a doctor to answer some questions about your health history.
Your blood pressure, pulse rate and haemoglobin level will be checked.
- Blood Donation
We will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand-new sterile needle for the blood draw. This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds.
- The actual donation takes about 5-8 minutes, during which you will be seated comfortably
- When a unit of blood (350 – 450 ml) has been collected, the donation is complete.
- A staff person will place a bandage on your arm
- Safety
All equipment is sterile; needles are used only once and then discarded. In the great majority of individuals, a donation of 450 ml is less than 10% of your total body volume and may be given safely every 3 months. Your body keeps on discarding and replenishing blood all the time whether
you give blood or not, so this amount is quickly replenished.
After Donation
- Relax & refresh
You can have something to eat and drink in and relax for about 15-20 minutes
before departing. Within 24-48 hours your blood volume is completely restored. Apart from enjoying
our refreshments and souvenir, other things to help you recover quickly include
- Drink plenty of water, fruit juice etc. and avoid alcohol for 8 hours after you’ve given blood.
- Avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting with the ‘donating arm’ for 24 hours after you’ve given blood.
- If you become unwell in any way after giving blood, speak to the doctor in-charge straight away.
- Donate Blood Again
- Whole blood male donors can give blood again after 3 months, female donors can donate after 4 months.
Spread the word
- Tell your friends, colleagues and family about the wonderful feeling you experience on donating blood and saving lives.
- Enjoy the feeling of knowing that you helped save precious lives!
