Donating blood is a small sacrifice that can make a big difference. Fortunately, the process is easy and requires only a few simple preparations. First contact your local health clinic or blood donor program to find out if you qualify to be a donor. On blood donation day, bring a valid ID, wear loose-fitting or short-sleeved clothes and make sure you eat and drink enough. After your medical history is checked, your blood will be drawn through a syringe. You too will feel happy that you have helped save someone's life.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Donate Blood
Step 1. Find out if you are eligible to become a donor
To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old and a healthy weight, usually 49 kg or more. In some places, you can donate blood when you are 16 years old, provided you can show proof of parental consent. Contact your local blood donation center to find out what they are looking for in a donor.
- Some of the factors that prevent you from donating blood include having a cold or flu, being pregnant, having a sexually transmitted disease and having an organ transplant.
- Some medications, such as antidepressants, hormonal birth control and pain relievers such as aspirin can also affect blood properties, which may make you ineligible to donate blood if you have recently taken it.
Step 2. Find a blood bank or blood donation post
It is best to visit a regional branch of the Indonesian Red Cross, the organization that collects nearly half of Indonesia's blood donors. If you live in America, there are several other well-known organizations that collect blood donations including America's Blood Centers, a community-based network, independent blood donation programs throughout North America, United Blood Services, a nonprofit center serving 18 American states and The Armed Blood Service. Program, military sponsored program with 20 locations in the world.
- Go to the Indonesian Red Cross website and find out where you can donate blood in your area.
- If there is no branch of the Indonesian Red Cross or similar organization near you, look for a mobile blood donation center. Blood donation activities that move around so that donors in remote areas can donate blood more easily.
Step 3. Drink plenty of water
It is very important to keep your body healthy and hydrated when donating blood, because water is important for circulation and blood chemistry. Try to drink at least 0.5 liters of water before donating blood. Water, juice or decaffeinated tea are the best choices.
- Drinking fluids also prevents you from feeling dizzy when your blood is drawn.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee or cola, which can dehydrate you if you drink too much of them.
Step 4. Eat a balanced meal a few hours before donating blood
Make sure you eat nutritious food before going to the clinic. The main types of food you should eat include fruit, vegetables, complex carbohydrates (such as bread, pasta or potatoes), fiber and lean protein.
- Add a little iron to your diet a few weeks before blood donation by increasing your consumption of red meat, spinach, beans, fish and poultry. You need iron to produce red blood cells.
- Since fat can build up in the bloodstream and affect blood purity, it's best to limit your intake to a minimum.
Step 5. Bring your ID card
Most clinics require donors to carry a valid ID when registering. It can be a driver's license, passport, ID card. In addition, some clinics also accept student or student cards, as well as similar identities. Show your ID to the clerk at the registration desk when you arrive.
Don't forget to bring your official Blood Donor card if you've ever donated blood. By showing them, you can skip unnecessary procedures
Step 6. Wear appropriate clothing
Several styles of clothing can help speed up the donation process. Short sleeves or long sleeves that can be rolled up quickly will make it easier for officers to find the right spot on your arm. Loose-fitting clothes are also good because they are more practical.
- If you dress heavily because of the cold weather, make sure your outerwear is easy to remove.
- Even if it's not cold, it's a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket with you. Your body temperature will drop slightly after donating blood so you may feel a little chilly.
Part 2 of 3: Completing the Donation Process
Step 1. Provide basic medical information
After registering, you will be given a short form to fill out. This form will contain questions about your medical history, as well as any unusual illnesses, injuries or conditions you have recently. Answer each question as honestly and accurately as possible.
- Be sure to share any medications you are taking, as well as any other health-related details that may need attention.
- It's also a good idea to write down important sections of your medical history at the beginning in case there's anything important you might have forgotten.
Step 2. Have a physical examination
You will then be briefly checked to make sure your heart rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels are normal. Officers may record other physical statistics such as height, weight, gender and age. Then, they will prepare you to donate blood by adjusting the position of the arm and wiping the area to be injected.
A brief examination is needed to assess your physical condition and ensure that the donated blood comes from a healthy person
Step 3. Sit or lie down
Tell the staff whether you prefer an upright or tilted position when your blood is drawn, and which arm you want to have the injection in. Once you are ready, take a relaxed and comfortable attitude. You will feel a small prick, then a gentle cooling sensation as the machine draws your blood slowly.
The donation process takes about 8-10 minutes, and results in one bag of blood
Step 4. Divert your attention as the officer draws blood
Books, cell phones or mp3 players can be a distraction when you're trying not to move. If you don't have one prepared, you can pass the time by talking to the staff or working out a list of things you want to do. 8-10 minutes may sound long, but you won't really notice it.
- Make sure everything you bring isn't too distracting. You may be asked not to move your arm while your blood is being drawn.
- If the sight of blood makes you nauseous, focus on something else in the room.
Part 3 of 3: Recovering After Donating Blood
Step 1. Rest
After you donate blood, rest for 15-20 minutes. Most blood donation sites provide a special resting area in the form of seating for donors until they recover their strength. If you feel dizzy or disoriented during the next 24 hours, lie down and lift your legs up. That feeling will soon go away.
- Avoid strenuous activities such as exercise, exercise or mowing the lawn for at least 4-5 hours after donating blood.
- Be careful if you faint easily. Low blood pressure can cause you to feel dizzy. You should hold on to the side of the stairs as you go up and down the stairs or have someone guide you until you no longer feel dizzy.
Step 2. Continue to wear the bandage to allow your arm to heal
Do not remove the bandage until about 5 hours later or overnight if possible. In the morning, you can remove it and let the injection site heal without covering it. You may experience swelling, inflammation, or bleeding over the next 24 hours. Applying ice to the affected area will help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
- If the officer puts the compress over the bandage, remove it after a few hours to allow the arm to breathe.
- Wash the bandaged area regularly with soap and warm water to avoid a rash or infection.
Step 3. Restore your body fluids
Drink water or other decaffeinated fluids over the next few hours to make sure you're hydrated. Water is very important in producing healthy blood. The fatigue or dizziness you experience usually goes away within a few hours.
- It's normal to feel powerless after donating blood. This occurs because the body's fluid level is lower than normal.
- Do not drink alcohol for at least the next 8 hours. Alcoholic drinks cause your blood to thin, which can make your condition worse and even increase your risk of bleeding.
Step 4. Wait at least 8 weeks before you donate blood again
If you decide to donate blood again, you must wait 56 days after the last blood donation. It will take your blood cells this long to fully recover. After 8 weeks, your blood concentration will return to normal and you will be ready to donate blood again without any unnecessary risk to your health.
- If you only donate platelets, you can donate again after 3 days or donate whole blood after one week.
- There is no maximum limit on the number of blood donations you can do. The more you donate, the bigger the difference you make.
Tips
- Encourage your friends and loved ones to donate blood. Blood donation can be a valuable experience and has real potential to help people in need.
- You can donate blood even if you have type 1 diabetes, as long as your insulin levels are normal.
- Ask your doctor or blood donor representative if you have any questions or concerns about the blood donation process. They will be happy to explain the process in more detail.
