Donate Blood So Easy

Blood transfusions can be used to to save the lives of people who have lost a significant amount of blood, for example as a result of an accident, surgery or childbirth. Blood transfusions are also commonly used to replace blood components in people with conditions such as cancer, leukaemia, haemophilia and bleeding disorders. Whole blood is rarely used for blood transfusions except in cases of sudden and severe blood loss. Instead, it is nearly always separated into its individual components and used for different purposes. Blood transfusions are given through a drip into a vein, usually in your arm.

You will be closely monitored during a blood transfusion.

Firstly, blood is donated by volunteer donors who must attend a personal interview every time they donate, and answer detailed questions about their health and previous and current medical conditions. Then, every sample of blood given by donors is tested for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis and other serious communicable diseases. Generally, people who need blood transfusions receive blood of the same type. However, some blood groups are compatible with others, and in an emergency anyone can receive type O negative blood universal donors , and people with type AB positive blood can receive blood of any ABO type universal recipients.

Donating Blood

If a blood transfusion is needed, the risk of not receiving it far outweighs the small risk from the transfusion. People receiving blood transfusions are closely monitored during and after the procedure. Sometimes transfusion reactions happen hours, days or weeks after a transfusion. In exceptional cases, certain people who are due to have surgery can make arrangements to be their own blood donor.

This is called an autologous blood transfusion, and involves having your own blood collected beforehand and stored to be ready for use during surgery. While autologous blood transfusions are not routinely available, they may be an option for people with very rare blood types. If you have any questions about blood donation, or want to find out the location of your nearest donation centre, contact the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Classifying blood types is particularly important when it comes to blood transfusions.

Blood makes up about 8 per cent of a person's body weight. In a normal-sized adult, there are ab. This web site is intended for Australian residents and is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Information and interactions contained in this Web site are for information purposes only and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Further, the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information available on this Web site cannot be guaranteed. Dr Me Pty Ltd, its affiliates and their respective servants and agents do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information made available via or through myDr whether arising from negligence or otherwise. See Privacy Policy and Disclaimer.

Blood donations are used in: Becoming a blood donor Many people in the community are eligible to donate blood. To give blood you need to: Reasons that may prevent you from being a blood donor, either temporarily or permanently, include: What does donating blood involve? Donating blood is safe and easy.

What does donating blood involve?

It takes about 60 to 90 minutes altogether. What are plasma and platelet donations? How often can I donate blood? Cord blood donation Cord blood is blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a baby. Who needs blood transfusions? How is a blood transfusion given? Red blood cells can also help people with cancer and those with blood diseases such as thalassaemia. Platelets , a component of blood involved in blood clotting, are given to people with a low platelet count - for example, due to cancer treatment with chemotherapy or liver disease.

Plasma , the clear fluid in blood, is often given to help people whose blood does not clot properly, such as can occur if someone has had anticoagulant treatment or suffers from liver disease or haemophilia. This is because plasma contains clotting factors special chemicals involved in blood clotting. How safe is the blood given by transfusion?

There are many safeguards in place to help ensure that blood transfusions are safe. What are the risks of receiving blood? Mild transfusion reactions, or allergic reactions , causing symptoms such as fever, rash and itching. Mild reactions can be treated with antihistamines and paracetamol, plus slowing down or stopping the transfusion. Allergic reactions during a blood transfusion are uncommon. Fluid overload that can lead to heart failure and a build-up of fluid in the lungs.

This is due to the increased amount of fluid in the bloodstream after receiving a transfusion, which increases the workload on the heart.

Doctors Inserted A Needle In My Arm To Donate Blood. 10 Seconds Later, I Could Barely Feel It

It usually affects older people or those with heart disease or severe anaemia. People at risk of fluid overload are usually given diuretics fluid tablets before or during the transfusion, and the transfusion is given slowly. There is the remote possibility of receiving blood of an incompatible type, but there are safety procedures to prevent this occurring. A blood transfusion reaction , or haemolytic reaction , due to receiving the wrong blood type can produce fever, chills, itching, or aches and pains.

Yes, unless smoking has given you unusually high blood pressure. How old do you have to be to donate blood? How long does it take to donate blood? The whole process can take around an hour, but the part with the needle in your arm only takes about 10 minutes.

With all sorts of information about donating blood under my belt, it was time to book my appointment. As the day approached, I got more and more excited — I really felt ready to finally be a blood donor. In accordance with what I found online, I drank an extra 16 ounces of water and ate some iron-rich foods. Since it was my first time donating blood, I had asked a bunch of people about what I should expect, as I was still a little concerned about certain things luckily, it was all fine.

Finally, they called me into the first room, where they put me in a little cubicle to take down my medical history. After I finished all the pre-donating steps, I went into the donation room and sat down on one of the donation tables. Eventually, it was my turn to actually start donating. The nurse wrapped my upper arm, rubbed my inner elbow with iodine, put on gloves, then grabbed the needle. Before inserting the needle into my arm, he taped the tube that would transport the blood to the bag onto my forearm.

Then it was finally time for him to poke me with the needle. Instead of directly watching him put the needle into my arm, I took selfies. This was the face I made at the moment the needle entered my skin. They had me squeeze a stress ball hard as they inserted the needle, and then gently as the donation started; the action of squeezing pumps your blood more quickly.

Donating Blood (for Teens)

Because I was lying completely flat, it was hard to hold my phone like everyone else was doing , so I tried to just get comfy. As you can see in the photo above, my biggest complaint while I was donating blood was that the room was cold. After my blood bag was full which only took about 10 minutes , the nurse came back over to take the needle out and unhook me from the tube. It felt pretty unreal to see all the blood that had come out of me, and I was happy to know that it was going to a good cause.

Once I was totally unhooked and done with the donation, the nurse told me to head over to the chairs on the other side of the room to get some juice and cookies. I was so upset when I looked in the box and only found raisins. I grabbed a juice and sat for a few minutes to regain some blood sugar. Please SHARE this article with your friends — everyone should know more about the importance of donating blood! Get the best LittleThings. Ileana is the Editor of Original Content.

She lives in Queens, NY.

More on this topic for:

Ileana Paules-Bronet for LittleThings. To donate blood, there are a few requirements. First, you have to be in good general health and be feeling well on the day of your donation. You also have to be at least 17 years old and weigh at least pounds.

How much blood do you donate? You donate about one pint of blood. I went online and made my appointment, and I was really confident and excited about donating.