You might walk into a blood donation camp and be surprised to see only a few donors. If you call someone asking for blood donation, though a number of potential donors come forward, they often have many questions. People are often worried about the precautions before and after blood donation and so on. A number of donors are mostly worried about their safety. Blood donation is one easy and a very simple process and all you need to do is to know its importance.
Importance of Blood Donation
Blood donation has its very own importance. While there can be no specific reason as to why you need to donate blood, you just need to know as to why it is important for you to donate blood. Some of us agree to donate blood as a friend has asked us or some belief in helping those who are in need. Whatever the reason may be, there is always a constant need for blood donors.
Blood donation can save someone’s life and there are many instances where even babies or kids are also in need of blood donation. So, the next time you receive a call for blood donation does not think twice. Most of the people who opt for blood donation do not do it due to blood donation benefits but often do it due to humanity.
Precautions Before Blood Donation
There are quite a few things you need to know before you go ahead and donate blood. A few precautions will make the process easy. Let us have a look at the step by the step procedure on what you need to do before you go in for a donation.
Take an Appointment – You can start by making an appointment where you can choose the donation type and also to donate the blood at a time that is convenient for you.
The Diet – It is important you eat foods that are rich in iron content before you do for blood donation. Some of the iron-rich foods are fish, red meat, spinach and cereals.
Rest – It is very important to get a good night’s the day before you go to the clinic for blood donation. Make sure you eat healthily and keep yourself well hydrated. Never go for donating blood without sleep.
Make sure you also carry your valid photo ID on the day you are going to donate the blood. It also helps to carry your medical file along so that the doctor can check the medications you are administering. If you take medicines like aspirin, it is important you stop taking it for at least 2 days before your appointment.
Some of the Other Tips you can Follow are
- Drink liquids, mostly water before you go in for your appointment. You can even take nonalcoholic drinks, but never have alcohol before blood donation.
- Make sure to eat a healthy meal and try and avoid fatty or fast foods like burgers or ice creams before you go for donation.
- Make sure you inform the doctor about any vein that was successfully used to draw blood earlier.
- Lastly, just relax and complete the process
- Make sure you wear comfortable clothing.
Precautions after Blood Donation
Once you have donated blood, there are a few things you still to be aware of. It is also important to take a few precautions after blood donation so that you experience any after blood donation side effects.
Time to Snack – Once you are done donating blood. Then you need to relax for sometime in the recovery area and have some cookies or snacks. Well, you have really earned it!
Have Fluids – Blood donation can leave your body dehydrated. You need to have at least 4 glasses of water after donation to keep your body hydrated. Avoid alcohol for the next one day.
You can even leave the strip bandage for a few hours after your donation is done. This will prevent any bleeding. Once you take it out, make sure you wash the area around the bandage with water and mild soap. This will prevent the occurrence of any skin rashes.
You also need to stay away from any kind of weight lifting for the rest of the day. If you into exercising, it is good you skip it for a day. If you have forgotten to mention any health information about yourself, you can call the clinic or hospital and inform them about the same.
There can be cases where there is a mild bleeding near the needle site. If that happens, you can lift your arm and keep it straight for about 5 or 10 minutes. This should stop the bleeding. If you feel you need any medical care after donating blood, do not hesitate to contact your doctor immediately.
Perhaps you are feeling dizzy, it helps to sit down till you start feeling better. If you continue performing the activity you might as well faint. Keep yourself away from vigorous tasks for a day at least. Getting into more of physical activity might lead to fainting and you may end up with injuries as well.
You can include iron rich foods in your diet for the next few days. This helps the body recover after the blood has been drawn. If you are a frequent blood donator, you need to include multivitamins and iron, so that your body replenishes its iron stores before the next blood donation.
Like we mentioned you can take fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in iron or also check with your doctor if you can take some iron and vitamin supplements. If you have any further doubts, do not hesitate to check with the hospital or blood donation center.
Now that you have done a good deed, it is time you need to share that gratification with others. You can even brief those interested about the precautions before and after blood donation. Time to inspire others!
Medically Reviewed By
Maanasi specializes in health topics including diet and nutrition. A mother of an untiring seven year old, she enjoys nurturing her love affair with English. She is often found nestled with a book, plopped against a dozen pillows, smiling away at the brink of finishing yet another book of the many dozens, that adorn the shelves of her Mini Library!
