Availability of quality blood is the most important component in the world of modern medicine. Since it cannot be made synthetically, blood must be collected from voluntary donors. However, many people are afraid to donate their blood for a variety of reasons, from fear of the pain to fear of contracting an infectious disease. Donating blood is a very safe practice because of the many precautions taken. That means, you don't have to be afraid to be a blood donor. The most dangerous risks when donating blood include various minor reactions such as dizziness, fainting, or bruising. If you follow a few simple steps below, you'll be able to get ready to donate your blood.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Getting Ready to Donate Blood
Step 1. Determine if you qualify
Blood donation services in each country have different requirements for donors who wish to donate their blood. These conditions can be in the form of disease in the blood or not, where you travel, age, and weight. In general, you will be able to donate blood if you meet certain criteria.
- You must be healthy and not suffer from any disease. Don't donate blood if you have the flu, have a sore throat, cough, have a virus, or have a stomach ache. Medications prescribed by doctors such as antibiotics can make you unsuitable as a blood donor.
- Your weight should be around 50 kg.
- You must be of age. In many countries, parental consent is required for children aged 16-17 years to become blood donors. Ask the Indonesian Red Cross about this if you are 16-17 years old.
- You can only donate blood once every 56 days. If you donate blood more often than that, you will no longer be eligible.
- Do not donate blood if your teeth have been treated lightly in the past 24 hours or if you have had heavy treatment in the past month. Dental care in general can be risky because it can release bacteria. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic infections.
Step 2. Make an appointment
There are many blood donor centers in this country. Since places, such as PMI, need time to get ready for you to donate blood, you must make an appointment in advance. This also gives you time to ensure that all requirements as a blood donor have been met by that date.
You can also search PMI around if you don't want to make an appointment. Check local advertisements for mobile PMI in your area
Step 3. Eat foods rich in iron
Since blood production requires iron, you should eat iron-rich foods for two weeks before donating blood. This can help you have healthy blood to donate and help you recover after becoming a donor. Foods that are high in iron include spinach, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, organ meats, eggs, and beef.
Having high levels of vitamin C can also help increase iron absorption. Try consuming acidic fruits, juices, or vitamin C supplements
Step 4. Don't get dehydrated
To prepare your body for your blood to be removed, you should drink plenty of water or fruit juices in the evening and the morning before becoming a blood donor. The main cause of fainting and dizziness when donating blood is a drop in blood pressure or blood sugar. This risk can be reduced if you drink a lot while visiting PMI.
- Drinking large amounts of water for 24 hours before the time of donation is highly recommended, especially during the dry season. This step includes drinking four glasses of water or juice for three hours prior to donation.
- If you are donating plasma or platelets, drink four to six 8-ounce glasses of water for two to three hours before donating blood.
Step 5. Get a good night's sleep
Before donating blood, you should be able to sleep well. A good night's sleep can help you feel better when you donate blood, thereby reducing the risk of reactions during the blood donation process.
This means that you should get a good night's sleep (7 to 9 hours for adults). before donating blood
Step 6. Eat three hours before donating blood
Never donate blood if you haven't eaten that day. Eating food will keep your blood sugar levels stable so you will feel better when you are done donating blood. Having food in the system also helps reduce dizziness and the possibility of fainting. You should eat healthy foods that are filling but not satiating.
- You shouldn't eat too much before becoming a donor. If you donate blood early, eat light foods such as cereal or toast. If you donate blood during the day, eat lunch with a little sandwich and a few slices of fruit.
- Don't eat it right before you donate blood so you don't get nauseous.
- Avoid fatty foods for 24 hours before donating blood. The added fat in the bloodstream will make it difficult to read your blood test results before donating blood. If PMI can't perform all of these tests, they may reject your wish to become a donor.
Step 7. Prepare a suitable ID card
The requirements for each blood donor site will vary, but you will always need at least one ID card when you want to donate blood. This identity card can be in the form of an ID card, driving license, blood donation card, or passport. Make sure you take it with you when you are going to donate blood.
A blood donation card is a card you get from PMI that records you in their system. You can order this card online, go to PMI to order it, or ask for it when you donate blood for the first time so you can have it on your next visit
Step 8. Avoid certain activities
In the hours approaching the meeting time, you should avoid certain activities that will reduce your chances of donating blood. You must not smoke for an hour before becoming a blood donor. You can also avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before donating blood. You should also not chew gum, mint, or candy for a few hours before becoming a blood donor.
- Chewing gum, mint, or candy can increase the temperature in your mouth so you feel like you have a fever and are not allowed to donate.
- If you are giving platelets, you should not take aspirin or drugs classified as "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" (NSAIDs) for two days before donating blood.
Part 2 of 2: Donate Blood
Step 1. Fill out the form
When you arrive at a place to donate blood, you must first answer a few questions about your general health and fill out a confidential medical history form. The type of question will depend on your location, but you should be prepared to provide at least the name of the medication you are currently taking and where you have traveled for the past 3 years.
- In the United States, The United Blood Services is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Organizers of this blood donation must comply with the regulations set by the FDA. FDA guidelines focus on the safety of the general public and if any behavior, disease, or drug is considered a risk of contamination or disease transmission, that person should not donate blood. So, this rule is not made to discriminate.
- In addition, some activities also increase the transmission of disease through blood and this will be asked on the form. These activities include drug use, certain sexual activities, drug consumption, and living in certain countries. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you cannot donate blood.
- There are also certain diseases, such as hepatitis, HIV, AIDS, and Chagas, that make it impossible for you to donate blood.
- Answer all interview questions honestly. The organizers will start digging into your sensitive topics, but you have to be honest so they'll know if your blood can be used.
Step 2. Perform a physical examination
After answering several different types of questionnaires, you will go through a small physical examination. This examination usually includes checking blood pressure, checking heart rate, and measuring body temperature. The nurse will prick your fingertips to check your hemoglobin and iron levels.
Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, as well as hemoglobin and iron levels must be categorized as “healthy” before donating blood. This step will ensure the health of your blood so you won't feel nauseous or anemic after donating blood
Step 3. Prepare yourself mentally
Many people who donate blood are afraid of needles and don't like being pricked by them. You can distract or prepare yourself before this happens so that the blood donation process will be easier. Take a deep breath before the needle is injected. You can also pinch your other arm as a diversion.
- Don't hold your breath. If you do, you may pass out.
- Rest assured because most people say this process is not painful, most of them only feel a small pinch. The real problem is discomfort, so it's best if you don't feel tense.
Step 4. Have your blood drawn
After completing the physical examination, the nurse will ask you to lie down in a recliner or bed. The cuff will be placed around your arm so that your veins can be seen more easily and your blood will be pumped faster. The nurse will clean the inside of your elbow because that is where the needle will be injected, and it is connected by a long tube. The nurse will ask you to clench your fists several times until your blood comes out.
- The nurse will take several small bottles of blood to be tested, then your blood can begin to fill the blood bag to the brim. You can usually donate as much as a pint of blood.
- This process usually takes between 10-15 minutes.
Step 5. Calm down
Nervousness can also cause your blood pressure to drop, which can make you feel dizzy. Talk to the nurse who drew your blood if it makes you feel better. Ask him to explain the process of taking this blood.
Look for ways to distract yourself, such as singing, memorizing something, thinking about the end of a book you're reading or a TV series you're following, listening to music, or thinking about the benefits of your blood donation
Step 6. Rest and recharge
After you have finished donating blood and the nurse has bandaged you, you will be asked to sit and wait for about 15 minutes to make sure that you do not faint or feel dizzy. You will also be given snacks and juices to help restore body fluids and increase the level of sugar in your blood. The nurse will also suggest avoiding certain things during the day and replenishing your fluids over the next 48 hours.
- You should not lift heavy objects or engage in activities that make you tired, such as intense exercise during the day.
- If you feel dizzy, lie down with your feet pointing up (wax posture).
- Leave the bandage for four to five hours after donating blood. If the bruise from the injection is really severe, apply a cold compress. If it hurts, take some painkillers to ease it.
- If you have been sick for a long time after donating blood, call your doctor to make sure everything is okay.
Tips
- Bring a large bottle of orange juice. Orange juice will increase energy quickly after donating blood.
- Lie down after the blood donation is over. This step can reduce blood pressure and dizziness, especially if you are donating blood for the first time.
- Once you are able to go through the blood donation process, ask about platelet donation. Donating platelets takes a long time but you can still save your red blood cells. Platelets cause blood clotting and are a very important product for treating patients with serious illnesses.
- If you feel you are about to pass out, notify medical staff immediately. They will help you lie down in a chair. If you've left the blood draw, lower your head to your knees to increase blood flow to the brain, or lie down with your legs up or in a wax stance if you can. Try to avoid this by resting at the blood collection clinic, drinking some of the drinks recommended by the nurse, and eating the snacks provided.
