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First Time as a Blood Donor

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My First Time Giving Blood

Today, for the very first time, I went along and became a blood donor. I was amazed at how quick the whole process was.

I thought it might be useful to let others know exactly what it was like as blood supplies are running low. So here is my little lens on what actually happens as a UK blood donor.
  1. Making Appointment
  2. Arriving at the centre
  3. Pre Health Checks with Nurse
  4. The taking of the blood
  5. After Care & More Information
  6. New Guestbook
  8. My blog

Making Appointment

I actually received a letter through the post, informing me of a blood donor session that would be near me in the next couple of weeks. There was a number to ring to actually book an appointment. This is the best thing to do as it means you will be seen to straight away, rather than sitting and waiting for a free bed. The appointment making process was quick. It was then followed up with a letter in the post confirming the date and time

Arriving at the centre

Upon arriving at the community centre, I was booked straight in and given a folder to read, detailing all the relevant points of the process. I was also advised to drink a big glass of water. They recommend that you are fully hydrated during the process. No sooner had I finished reading the folder, I was taken over to a little cubicle to see a nurse and go through some quick checks on your medical history

Pre Health Checks with Nurse

Here the nurse checked the form I had filled in answering various questions about my medical health. It was fairly straight forward and asked if you had visited certain countries, were HIV positive or had Hepatitis and finally what if any medication you are on.
Then she pricked your finger to take a small sample of blood. This was put into a test tube with green liquid. This was to test your iron in the blood, to make sure you were not anemic. If the blood flows to the bottom of the liquid, you have plenty of iron. I was then taken to the area where all the beds were and told to take a seat. As soon as I had sat down, another took me to the beds and started the procedure to take the blood.

The taking of the blood

This is the bit that probably people fear the most, but again it was a really straight forward procedure.
A cuff was put around your arm, and blown up just like when you have a blood pressure test. This is so your veins in the arm stick out for the needle. An antiseptic wipe is then applied to the area and that is when the needle is put into your arm. It really does just feel like a little scratch. Its all so fairly painless. You are then left while the blood is taken and are advised to keep clenching your fist. Then the surprising bit! No sooner had I started they were telling me it was all over. It was literally 5 minutes. I couldn't quite believe how quick it was.

After Care & More Information

Once they had taken the needle out you have to hold a compress pad against your arm. They ask you to sit up, and basically spend a couple of minutes sitting before you get of the bed. I didn't have any dizzy spells or feel unwell. You then go to a table and are encouraged to have a couple of drinks and a biscuit. Then off you go!

It really was all very simple, very quick and relatively painless. I am sat here thinking why I didnt do it before, and why more people don't. Apparently it normally takes something serious to happen to someone you know, who then needs blood, before people consider becoming a donor. I suppose this is quite sad that a traumatic event has to happen before most will volunteer.

With the swine flu pandemic, they are now trying to get a big supply in place for the winter months, as anyone with any type of flu cannot donate.

So if you live in the UK, please consider becoming a donor.

You can click on blood.co.uk. for more information

To book an appointment call 0300 123 23 23

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