I’ve been waiting to donate blood for a long time. As a gay man, I’ve been ineligible to give blood my entire adult life despite the fact that my husband and I are both HIV negative and have been...
I’ve been waiting to donate blood for a long time. As a gay man, I’ve been ineligible to give blood my entire adult life despite the fact that my husband and I are both HIV negative and have been mutually monogamous for over a decade.
Thankfully, the FDA changed the restrictions last year. I became eligible under the new guidelines and almost went and donated immediately when that news came out, but when I checked in with my local blood bank, they said it would take time to adjust their practice and they would let people know when they were ready to take on new donors who were previously ineligible.
This took longer than I expected (months), but they finally did announce that they had changed over to the new guidelines! Hooray!
Only, they made this announcement at the same time that I had my most recent bloodwork done and found out that I was anemic and had low iron and hemoglobin. This made me ineligible to donate once again, which was both sad and frustrating.
My doctor put me on an iron supplement, and my recent follow-up lab work came back much more positive. I forgot to ask him about blood donation then, but I just sent him a message now asking if I should/shouldn’t do it. I’ll, of course, follow his guidance if he says no, but I’m really hoping for a yes.
I’d love to be able to finally give blood — especially when it’s so needed. I’d also love to finally find out what my blood type is. I have no idea what I’ve got.
Update: Looks like I'll be finding out my blood type soon, because my doctor gave me the green light to donate! My husband and I made appointments for next weekend. We're going together! If anyone...
Update: Looks like I'll be finding out my blood type soon, because my doctor gave me the green light to donate!
My husband and I made appointments for next weekend. We're going together!
If anyone has any tips or tricks for a first timer, please let me know. @vord, I saw your recommendation of a steak dinner beforehand -- is there a veggie friendly option?
Iron rich foods (and supplements as you need) are recommended. So broccoli, kale, your usual dark leafy greens, lentils and beans are also up there. I take supplements to reduce the likelihood of...
Iron rich foods (and supplements as you need) are recommended. So broccoli, kale, your usual dark leafy greens, lentils and beans are also up there. I take supplements to reduce the likelihood of failing the iron test. That's just my particular issue. (Taking Vitamin D also seems to help and the Red Cross folks always recommend the Flintstones vitamins with iron in them in particular, though I just do generic supplements)
It's most important not to skip a meal the day before/day of and to be hydrated. If you're not sure about your iron levels you might want to supplement. This is most often an issue for people who have menstrual cycles.
They check your temp, BP, pulse and iron levels as well as usually look at your veins in your arms to be sure things everything is within norms before hand. If you don't meet the requirements, it's okay; they'll reschedule you, no big deal.
I am sadly not as well versed with vegan options. Odd as it may sound, I'd trust vegan advice wrt menstruation than anything I'd put out. People whom lose a lot of blood once a month have a lot...
I am sadly not as well versed with vegan options. Odd as it may sound, I'd trust vegan advice wrt menstruation than anything I'd put out. People whom lose a lot of blood once a month have a lot more practical advice.
Hydrate loads, eat fruits and veggies and make sure to not go on an empty stomach (but also don’t overfeed yourself; just eat a couple hours before). Stay in the chair a few minutes when you’re...
Hydrate loads, eat fruits and veggies and make sure to not go on an empty stomach (but also don’t overfeed yourself; just eat a couple hours before). Stay in the chair a few minutes when you’re done and take it easy, if you feel lightheaded it’s normal. No physical exercise the same day (no sex either) and take it easy the day after as well.
In general it’s no big deal once you’re used to it, especially if you’re a large or muscly guy you will barely feel it.
Have fun! Donating is fun, my next one scheduled is next week.
Some people have a very pronounced reaction to the lowering of their blood sugar after donating blood. They'll usually offer you juice and/or cookies after your donation. It's a good idea to...
Some people have a very pronounced reaction to the lowering of their blood sugar after donating blood. They'll usually offer you juice and/or cookies after your donation. It's a good idea to consume them, especially if you don't know whether you're one of the people who gets extremely light-headed.
And congratulations/thanks are due for your new donor adventure!
Don’t drink any tea with food the day you go. Tea can inhibit iron absorption. On the other hand, vitamin c enhances iron absorption. The Mayo Clinic has a good breakdown on dietary stuff, in case...
At one point I was donation often enough that this became a weird variable. Would I or wouldn’t I be able to donate in that f specific day? The folks at the blood donation center told me to put lemon in my tea if I must have it, this actually did seem to help.
Ooh do we have any idea what compound(s) in tea cause that? I skimmed the abstract but didn't see. Curious if it also applies to other foods/beverages or if it's something unique to tea specifically.
Ooh do we have any idea what compound(s) in tea cause that? I skimmed the abstract but didn't see. Curious if it also applies to other foods/beverages or if it's something unique to tea specifically.
I read about it in detail several years ago, now all I can find is this verywell article, which says it's tannins. I do remember the how, whichever part of iron we need attached to that instead of...
I read about it in detail several years ago, now all I can find is this verywell article, which says it's tannins. I do remember the how, whichever part of iron we need attached to that instead of the red blood cells that are supposed to carry it to the brain. Something in vitamin c attaches more strongly to the tannins, so iron goes to the red blood cells like it's supposed to.
I am not very well versed in this sort of thing, but I do find it interesting. I'm sorry if my explanation sounds like it came from a 5 year old.
As an aside, I had the same searching issue when I tried to look up something really specific from hurricane Katrina that I remembered clearly: a lot of found pets were taken to Shreveport and locals were asked to take them in until their families had been found.
I’d donate, but they won’t even let me try anymore. I have no issues with blood or needles, but I always pass out when I try to give blood. The nurses very politely told me that I can’t give blood...
I’d donate, but they won’t even let me try anymore. I have no issues with blood or needles, but I always pass out when I try to give blood. The nurses very politely told me that I can’t give blood after the third time while I was sipping on my juice on the bed.
I've found eating a meal of steak, potatoes, and broccoli the night before giving blood helps tremendously. And being well hydrated + banana an hour before. Easier to siphon a full tank than an...
I've found eating a meal of steak, potatoes, and broccoli the night before giving blood helps tremendously. And being well hydrated + banana an hour before. Easier to siphon a full tank than an empty one, if you will.
Has to be steak, with as much of that meat juice and/or blood as possible. Burgers, chicken, and plant options on their own just did not compare.
Oh my god, the same thing happens to me every time I go :( It's so frustrating, I start off great and at the 10 minute mark I start with cold sweats, nausea, etc.
Oh my god, the same thing happens to me every time I go :( It's so frustrating, I start off great and at the 10 minute mark I start with cold sweats, nausea, etc.
I progressively got worse until it was just hilarious. I made it about 10min the first time, 5min the second time, and I fainted when they pricked my finger to test the hemoglobin the third time....
I progressively got worse until it was just hilarious. I made it about 10min the first time, 5min the second time, and I fainted when they pricked my finger to test the hemoglobin the third time. Come to think of it, that make be why they won’t let me come back. They might think I will fall over when I walk through the door next time.
I've donated maybe 5 or 6 times. About half the time it's no issue, the donation goes off without a hitch, and they get a full pint of blood, while I get some juice and cookies. The other half,...
I've donated maybe 5 or 6 times. About half the time it's no issue, the donation goes off without a hitch, and they get a full pint of blood, while I get some juice and cookies. The other half, I'm getting tunnel vision, sweating, they have cold packs on me, my feet are elevated, and naturally the donation is not completed. Though I still get my juice and cookies.
So I haven't donated in over a decade because I never know which way it'll go!
Same impression here. @JCPhoenix, if it’s not too personal for you, may I ask how much you weigh, approximately? Just in terms of, let’s call it, “boxing brackets” is detailed enough. I’m a rather...
That’s so crazy. I usually don’t feel any different afterward.
Same impression here.
@JCPhoenix, if it’s not too personal for you, may I ask how much you weigh, approximately? Just in terms of, let’s call it, “boxing brackets” is detailed enough.
I’m a rather bulky dude (that’s to say, not just fat, also some muscle) clocking in at around 95kg/210lbs, and have checks spreadsheet donated blood 15 times so far. At least in Germany, they tell you to not participate in traffic for the half an hour afterwards, and I can definitely understand why – I have seen healthy friends weighing 80-85kg/180lbs who came to donate with me nearly or actually faint – but these days I feel like I can assess the risk (I do rarely feel more lightheaded sometimes than other times) and usually leave after being done with the free meals and good portion of liquid intake, 15-20 minutes after getting done with the blood part of the donation.
I’m no medical expert, and I’d really like to know one day what causes issues for people donating blood, because it’s not just being too lightweight or having low iron intake – although those are, of course, the biggest factors, both according to what guides I’ve read as well as seen and experienced first- (and second-) hand. I’ve always wondered if there was a way to e.g. combat some of the psychological problems some folks experience in order to allow more people to donate blood.
Also, side note, experiencing a plasma donation is definitely on my todo list, but since it’s not the quick walk-in procedure from what I can tell and requires some more planning, I haven’t gotten around to doing so. (I’ve managed to “train” my pure blood drawing time for 500mL, which was always rather fast to begin with, down to around 6-8 minutes, so the visits recently have been a rather speedy affair overall)
The first time I tried to donate and passed out, it was probably was related to weight. I was 17 and my high school was doing a blood drive. I'm a short and small guy. 5'4" (162.5cm) and at the...
The first time I tried to donate and passed out, it was probably was related to weight. I was 17 and my high school was doing a blood drive. I'm a short and small guy. 5'4" (162.5cm) and at the time I was just at the minimum weight for donating. Think it was 110lbs (49.9kg) and that's what I weighed. Of course, that's with clothes, so I probably weighed a little less.
Though the rest of the times I donated, I was solidly over the minimum at 120-130lbs (56.7kg).
Idk, I never really did see any patterns as to why I was successful sometimes while I wasn't other times. But it was over the course of a few years and I wasn't logging or taking notes of what I was doing/not doing. I'm sure it was something I did or didn't do the night/day before that caused me to react poorly during the donation. Like drink enough water or eat enough.
Honestly, I should just give it another try. My work will even give me free paid time off to do it since it's considered community service. Let's see what's available next week...
I had similar experiences that ultimately stopped me from feeling comfortable donating: sometimes I'd finish the donation, sometimes I'd start to pass out and couldn't complete. Compounded with...
I had similar experiences that ultimately stopped me from feeling comfortable donating: sometimes I'd finish the donation, sometimes I'd start to pass out and couldn't complete.
Compounded with the fact that I also frequently failed the iron test and couldnt even start the donation, giving blood is a stressful gamble for me, and I haven't tried in many years.
I have had the same experience and find it very embarrassing. I think I was getting into my own head the later times after failing to complete the first couple. I have to laugh it off whenever...
I have had the same experience and find it very embarrassing. I think I was getting into my own head the later times after failing to complete the first couple.
I have to laugh it off whenever anyone mentions donating blood, but I feel like a bit of a failure every time. Also I'm O- which makes it even worse.
I don’t even have any idea what my blood type is. I wish I knew, but it seems like the only way for me to find out is to give blood. The problem with that is that I can’t. I have made it about...
I don’t even have any idea what my blood type is. I wish I knew, but it seems like the only way for me to find out is to give blood. The problem with that is that I can’t. I have made it about 10min in at the longest, and the finger prick to test the hemoglobin at the worst. The finger prick was downright embarrassing but also pretty hilarious.
Your doctor's office might have the records, and it could be worth asking if that can be included the next time you have to have blood drawn for something else, it's good to just know. But it's...
Your doctor's office might have the records, and it could be worth asking if that can be included the next time you have to have blood drawn for something else, it's good to just know.
But it's also ok not to, hospitals will type you quickly if it's necessary and give you O- (or O+ I think) until then.
I used to work at a college campus that would bring donation buses in for blood draws, and I would donate when they were on campus. I stopped when the company started harassing me to donate. They...
I used to work at a college campus that would bring donation buses in for blood draws, and I would donate when they were on campus. I stopped when the company started harassing me to donate. They would call me weekly to schedule donations at cities a 45+ minute drive away, and it was clear their call center people didn't know the geography of the rural area we were in. I also told them that I walked or biked to work and couldn't drive for two hours in the middle of my day.
I finally blocked their number when they called and woke me up at 8:15 am on a Sunday morning on the first day I had a chance to sleep in for months. Never donated since. Now, I've since moved and my new research park has the same thing, and I might give them a try since I think they only send out announcements through our work liaison.
I'm so frustrated with the Red Cross, they would call me ALL the time. In my area, there is a local blood bank and Red Cross. When they used to have a donation center in my county, I would split...
I'm so frustrated with the Red Cross, they would call me ALL the time.
In my area, there is a local blood bank and Red Cross. When they used to have a donation center in my county, I would split my whole blood donation visits between them. Now, Red Cross stopped doing donations in my county and their closest option is 25 miles away.
Every time they have called me since, I tell them if they do donations in the city near me, then I will schedule something. I just realized they have stopped calling about 2 months ago. Now I visit the local blood bank every 2 months for a donation.
If you want to donate regularly, you can schedule your next appointment and they won't call you. (red cross has an app that makes rescheduling easy) but they do also have to take your name off...
If you want to donate regularly, you can schedule your next appointment and they won't call you. (red cross has an app that makes rescheduling easy) but they do also have to take your name off their call list if you ask. I just ignore/screen their reminder calls
Agreed about hydration! The few times I've been lightheaded, it's been me being under-hydrated. I haven't celebrated with spicy food though, I'll have to do that.
Agreed about hydration! The few times I've been lightheaded, it's been me being under-hydrated.
I haven't celebrated with spicy food though, I'll have to do that.
COVID and kids really threw a wrench into my donation schedule. I used to do it very regularly for years at a time. Lately I keep having to cancel due to last minute scheduling conflicts or being...
COVID and kids really threw a wrench into my donation schedule. I used to do it very regularly for years at a time. Lately I keep having to cancel due to last minute scheduling conflicts or being sick.
The American Red Cross announced that it is experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years, in what the organization says is an emergency shortage.
In all, the Red Cross says that the number of people donating blood has dropped by 40% over the last two decades, and that the shortage could worsen in coming months if winter weather or seasonal respiratory illnesses like the flu or COVID-19 cause people to cancel their donation appointments.
The organization is urging people to schedule an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Good reminder for me to sign up for this soon, I was waiting for a couple of months since I got some new tattoos but I think I heard that they've shortened those requirements.
Good reminder for me to sign up for this soon, I was waiting for a couple of months since I got some new tattoos but I think I heard that they've shortened those requirements.
Wait 3 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. Currently, the only states that DO NOT regulate tattoo facilities are: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.
A tattoo is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. Cosmetic tattoos (including microblading of eyebrows only) applied in a licensed establishment in a regulated state using sterile needles and ink that is not reused is acceptable. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
Unfortunately I got mine when I was in Japan so I'm not too sure how it'll work :/ but it's been more than 3 months so I'll sign up when I'm finally home from vacation!
Unfortunately I got mine when I was in Japan so I'm not too sure how it'll work :/ but it's been more than 3 months so I'll sign up when I'm finally home from vacation!
Already doing all I can! Would definitely recommend everyone that can donate does. I often feel bad that I’m not giving as much as I can to help others. But at least with blood donations it’s easy...
Already doing all I can! Would definitely recommend everyone that can donate does. I often feel bad that I’m not giving as much as I can to help others. But at least with blood donations it’s easy to hit the maximum you’re physically capable of replenishing. It’s time specifically set aside to be selfless.
Besides being a selfless thing to do, it is a short period of enforced stillness that can nicely break up a stressful work day. And when do a little bag of cookies and box of juice ever taste...
Besides being a selfless thing to do, it is a short period of enforced stillness that can nicely break up a stressful work day. And when do a little bag of cookies and box of juice ever taste better than after giving blood? I started donating during the pandemic and will hit the gallon mark in April.
My local Red Cross phlebotomists and I are buddies as I'm a regular and also sometimes have iron issues so I may be back a couple weeks in a row before I can donate. I joke that if they don't have...
My local Red Cross phlebotomists and I are buddies as I'm a regular and also sometimes have iron issues so I may be back a couple weeks in a row before I can donate. I joke that if they don't have apple juice they have to give me the blood back.
I've always been interested in donating blood, but never actually gone and done it. It seems there are lots of options for which organization to donate blood to in my area: The Red Cross,...
I've always been interested in donating blood, but never actually gone and done it. It seems there are lots of options for which organization to donate blood to in my area: The Red Cross, Vitalant, my local hospital, maybe more? How do I choose which one to go with?
In my experience, it doesn't really matter - they all have to abide by Federal standards. For me personally, I stick with Red Cross, in part because if I donate 4x a year with them, I get some...
In my experience, it doesn't really matter - they all have to abide by Federal standards. For me personally, I stick with Red Cross, in part because if I donate 4x a year with them, I get some swag in January. But I also make sure I go to the actual donation center because I don't have issues with my appointments running late vs blood drives on campus or other remote locations. I've gotten to know the staff and they know to check my iron before we do my BP or temp or anything.
So it can depend on the local folks! Go where you have a good experience and advocate for yourself once you know (For a while I tended to lie back more to avoid the lightheaded feeling while donating.
My blood has all stayed in the state, (the RC app gives me updates on that which is also neat), I don't expect it to be much different when it comes to where your blood goes for any org, but maybe someone else knows more.
I'd pick one based on convenience. How close, appointment availability. Depending on blood type, you'll probably want to do whole blood or power red donations (power red takes a bit longer, but...
I'd pick one based on convenience. How close, appointment availability. Depending on blood type, you'll probably want to do whole blood or power red donations (power red takes a bit longer, but they get double the red cells while returning plasma and platelets), so also ensure the selected facility has whichever you plan to do. Besides that, I might preferably select a blood donation center.
I’ve donated regularly for years (typically the double red due to my blood type being desirable), and I used to donate with the Red Cross until I discovered a local organization that was more...
I’ve donated regularly for years (typically the double red due to my blood type being desirable), and I used to donate with the Red Cross until I discovered a local organization that was more conveniently located and readily available for scheduling. It’s a form of charity that costs me nothing (other than the hour or two spent in my day), and there are some loosely associated health benefits to boot.
Beyond choosing them for the convenience, my local organization redistributes the blood locally first which makes me feel more connected to my community. Not to shame the Red Cross’s business model, but they sell blood to hospitals across a national network and a part of me prefers serving the same community I benefit from living in. My organization was also the first in the US to collect convalescent plasma during the COVID pandemic, which shows more agility/initiative for addressing health concerns. Lastly, and this may be regional, the Red Cross facilities near me felt a little ramshackle like they were squatting in someone else’s building, with the attendants being less than attentive. There could be similar organizations near you if these are important considerations for you.
I’d pick a smaller operation. I currently go to a little university building and imagining going to a hospital sounds much worse. But it’s hard to know.
I’d pick a smaller operation. I currently go to a little university building and imagining going to a hospital sounds much worse. But it’s hard to know.
I've wanted to donate blood in Canada (where I live) and Italy (where I was born), however I am ineligible as I lived in the UK from 1992-2004. I hope science figures out how to screen for...
I've wanted to donate blood in Canada (where I live) and Italy (where I was born), however I am ineligible as I lived in the UK from 1992-2004. I hope science figures out how to screen for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease so I can contribute too.
In 2020 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its deferral for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) related to mad cow disease, making those who spent long periods of time in certain European countries now eligible to donate blood or platelets. Recently, the FDA further updated its blood donor eligibility guidance on vCJD related to mad cow disease, effectively removing the deferral. Those who spent time in the UK, Ireland and France and have never tried to give blood may be able to donate blood with the Red Cross, beginning Oct. 3. (Those who have previously tried and been deferred from donating will be contacted by the Red Cross once system records are updated.)
FDA is American. @online_persona is Canadian. But coincidentally enough, Health Canada actually lifted their own similar ban a few weeks ago (Dec 4th):...
Looks like my wife can do her first blood donation ever! She's always been disqualified because of Mad Cow. While I'm not surprised it took 20 years, better late than never.
Looks like my wife can do her first blood donation ever! She's always been disqualified because of Mad Cow. While I'm not surprised it took 20 years, better late than never.
That's awesome! I will donate in Canada for sure!! My mother is currently in an ICU in Italy and has received several pints of blood. The only thing I (thought) could do was to donate blood to...
That's awesome! I will donate in Canada for sure!!
My mother is currently in an ICU in Italy and has received several pints of blood. The only thing I (thought) could do was to donate blood to replenish the amounts used, however the ban is still in effect in Italy.
I always wanted to donate blood growing up but every time I found myself coming up with an excuse for not having the time. Sadly I've since been diagnosed with a chronic disease that makes me...
I always wanted to donate blood growing up but every time I found myself coming up with an excuse for not having the time.
Sadly I've since been diagnosed with a chronic disease that makes me ineligible to donate. On the plus side, the doctors get plenty of my blood to keep for themselves.
I'd love to donate - but I'm always just below the weight requirements. I'm not sure how well it scales, I'm certainly not an expert, but you'd think they'd be able to proportionally scale down...
I'd love to donate - but I'm always just below the weight requirements. I'm not sure how well it scales, I'm certainly not an expert, but you'd think they'd be able to proportionally scale down how much blood they take, since I'm at a very healthy weight. I'm just short. lol
They take a very specific amount. I'm a quarter inch too short to donate Power Reds, but that's something I'd stretch the truth about as I'm not under-weight (I am however under-iron)
They take a very specific amount. I'm a quarter inch too short to donate Power Reds, but that's something I'd stretch the truth about as I'm not under-weight (I am however under-iron)
I believe the problem is that they measure blood that is transfused in "units" so half units aren't very helpful...although that seems like it would be an easy problem to overcome.
I believe the problem is that they measure blood that is transfused in "units" so half units aren't very helpful...although that seems like it would be an easy problem to overcome.
I wish I wasn’t absolutely terrified of needles or I’d donate, but it’s hard enough doing the finger prick for my health insurance (a few years I’ve chosen just to do a higher monthly rate rather...
I wish I wasn’t absolutely terrified of needles or I’d donate, but it’s hard enough doing the finger prick for my health insurance (a few years I’ve chosen just to do a higher monthly rate rather than face the needle).
We are two people who (I assume) wish we could understand the other. I've had workers comment when I get shots and watch them insert the needle. There are many other things that give me the...
We are two people who (I assume) wish we could understand the other. I've had workers comment when I get shots and watch them insert the needle. There are many other things that give me the willies, but to me it's just a shot so I don't see any reason to not watch. I get that it's a visceral horror for a lot of people, though.
I’ve been waiting to donate blood for a long time. As a gay man, I’ve been ineligible to give blood my entire adult life despite the fact that my husband and I are both HIV negative and have been mutually monogamous for over a decade.
Thankfully, the FDA changed the restrictions last year. I became eligible under the new guidelines and almost went and donated immediately when that news came out, but when I checked in with my local blood bank, they said it would take time to adjust their practice and they would let people know when they were ready to take on new donors who were previously ineligible.
This took longer than I expected (months), but they finally did announce that they had changed over to the new guidelines! Hooray!
Only, they made this announcement at the same time that I had my most recent bloodwork done and found out that I was anemic and had low iron and hemoglobin. This made me ineligible to donate once again, which was both sad and frustrating.
My doctor put me on an iron supplement, and my recent follow-up lab work came back much more positive. I forgot to ask him about blood donation then, but I just sent him a message now asking if I should/shouldn’t do it. I’ll, of course, follow his guidance if he says no, but I’m really hoping for a yes.
I’d love to be able to finally give blood — especially when it’s so needed. I’d also love to finally find out what my blood type is. I have no idea what I’ve got.
Update: Looks like I'll be finding out my blood type soon, because my doctor gave me the green light to donate!
My husband and I made appointments for next weekend. We're going together!
If anyone has any tips or tricks for a first timer, please let me know. @vord, I saw your recommendation of a steak dinner beforehand -- is there a veggie friendly option?
Iron rich foods (and supplements as you need) are recommended. So broccoli, kale, your usual dark leafy greens, lentils and beans are also up there. I take supplements to reduce the likelihood of failing the iron test. That's just my particular issue. (Taking Vitamin D also seems to help and the Red Cross folks always recommend the Flintstones vitamins with iron in them in particular, though I just do generic supplements)
It's most important not to skip a meal the day before/day of and to be hydrated. If you're not sure about your iron levels you might want to supplement. This is most often an issue for people who have menstrual cycles.
They check your temp, BP, pulse and iron levels as well as usually look at your veins in your arms to be sure things everything is within norms before hand. If you don't meet the requirements, it's okay; they'll reschedule you, no big deal.
I am sadly not as well versed with vegan options. Odd as it may sound, I'd trust vegan advice wrt menstruation than anything I'd put out. People whom lose a lot of blood once a month have a lot more practical advice.
Hydrate loads, eat fruits and veggies and make sure to not go on an empty stomach (but also don’t overfeed yourself; just eat a couple hours before). Stay in the chair a few minutes when you’re done and take it easy, if you feel lightheaded it’s normal. No physical exercise the same day (no sex either) and take it easy the day after as well.
In general it’s no big deal once you’re used to it, especially if you’re a large or muscly guy you will barely feel it.
Have fun! Donating is fun, my next one scheduled is next week.
Don't hydrate too much. Then your blood ends up with too much water and your iron count drops.
Yup, don't want clear pee, but also not orange.
I used to bike home 3 or so miles afterwards. But I’m not a small person so I lose a relatively inconsequential amount of blood.
You can get vegan iron supplement pills. I recommend taking one daily for the week before.
Some people have a very pronounced reaction to the lowering of their blood sugar after donating blood. They'll usually offer you juice and/or cookies after your donation. It's a good idea to consume them, especially if you don't know whether you're one of the people who gets extremely light-headed.
And congratulations/thanks are due for your new donor adventure!
Don’t drink any tea with food the day you go. Tea can inhibit iron absorption.
On the other hand, vitamin c enhances iron absorption. The Mayo Clinic has a good breakdown on dietary stuff, in case your doctor didn’t go over it with you.
At one point I was donation often enough that this became a weird variable. Would I or wouldn’t I be able to donate in that f specific day? The folks at the blood donation center told me to put lemon in my tea if I must have it, this actually did seem to help.
Ooh do we have any idea what compound(s) in tea cause that? I skimmed the abstract but didn't see. Curious if it also applies to other foods/beverages or if it's something unique to tea specifically.
I read about it in detail several years ago, now all I can find is this verywell article, which says it's tannins. I do remember the how, whichever part of iron we need attached to that instead of the red blood cells that are supposed to carry it to the brain. Something in vitamin c attaches more strongly to the tannins, so iron goes to the red blood cells like it's supposed to.
I am not very well versed in this sort of thing, but I do find it interesting. I'm sorry if my explanation sounds like it came from a 5 year old.
As an aside, I had the same searching issue when I tried to look up something really specific from hurricane Katrina that I remembered clearly: a lot of found pets were taken to Shreveport and locals were asked to take them in until their families had been found.
I’d donate, but they won’t even let me try anymore. I have no issues with blood or needles, but I always pass out when I try to give blood. The nurses very politely told me that I can’t give blood after the third time while I was sipping on my juice on the bed.
I've found eating a meal of steak, potatoes, and broccoli the night before giving blood helps tremendously. And being well hydrated + banana an hour before. Easier to siphon a full tank than an empty one, if you will.
Has to be steak, with as much of that meat juice and/or blood as possible. Burgers, chicken, and plant options on their own just did not compare.
I feel like my nutrition in general is good, but I certainly won’t turn down an excuse to eat a massive juicy steak.
Oh my god, the same thing happens to me every time I go :( It's so frustrating, I start off great and at the 10 minute mark I start with cold sweats, nausea, etc.
I progressively got worse until it was just hilarious. I made it about 10min the first time, 5min the second time, and I fainted when they pricked my finger to test the hemoglobin the third time. Come to think of it, that make be why they won’t let me come back. They might think I will fall over when I walk through the door next time.
I've donated maybe 5 or 6 times. About half the time it's no issue, the donation goes off without a hitch, and they get a full pint of blood, while I get some juice and cookies. The other half, I'm getting tunnel vision, sweating, they have cold packs on me, my feet are elevated, and naturally the donation is not completed. Though I still get my juice and cookies.
So I haven't donated in over a decade because I never know which way it'll go!
That's so crazy. I usually don't feel any different afterward. Maybe a little chilly sometimes if I'm donating double red or plasma.
Same impression here.
@JCPhoenix, if it’s not too personal for you, may I ask how much you weigh, approximately? Just in terms of, let’s call it, “boxing brackets” is detailed enough.
I’m a rather bulky dude (that’s to say, not just fat, also some muscle) clocking in at around 95kg/210lbs, and have checks spreadsheet donated blood 15 times so far. At least in Germany, they tell you to not participate in traffic for the half an hour afterwards, and I can definitely understand why – I have seen healthy friends weighing 80-85kg/180lbs who came to donate with me nearly or actually faint – but these days I feel like I can assess the risk (I do rarely feel more lightheaded sometimes than other times) and usually leave after being done with the free meals and good portion of liquid intake, 15-20 minutes after getting done with the blood part of the donation.
I’m no medical expert, and I’d really like to know one day what causes issues for people donating blood, because it’s not just being too lightweight or having low iron intake – although those are, of course, the biggest factors, both according to what guides I’ve read as well as seen and experienced first- (and second-) hand. I’ve always wondered if there was a way to e.g. combat some of the psychological problems some folks experience in order to allow more people to donate blood.
Also, side note, experiencing a plasma donation is definitely on my todo list, but since it’s not the quick walk-in procedure from what I can tell and requires some more planning, I haven’t gotten around to doing so. (I’ve managed to “train” my pure blood drawing time for 500mL, which was always rather fast to begin with, down to around 6-8 minutes, so the visits recently have been a rather speedy affair overall)
The first time I tried to donate and passed out, it was probably was related to weight. I was 17 and my high school was doing a blood drive. I'm a short and small guy. 5'4" (162.5cm) and at the time I was just at the minimum weight for donating. Think it was 110lbs (49.9kg) and that's what I weighed. Of course, that's with clothes, so I probably weighed a little less.
Though the rest of the times I donated, I was solidly over the minimum at 120-130lbs (56.7kg).
Idk, I never really did see any patterns as to why I was successful sometimes while I wasn't other times. But it was over the course of a few years and I wasn't logging or taking notes of what I was doing/not doing. I'm sure it was something I did or didn't do the night/day before that caused me to react poorly during the donation. Like drink enough water or eat enough.
Honestly, I should just give it another try. My work will even give me free paid time off to do it since it's considered community service. Let's see what's available next week...
Did you try platelets? It’s much more uncomfortable and takes much longer, but it’s less strain on your body.
I had similar experiences that ultimately stopped me from feeling comfortable donating: sometimes I'd finish the donation, sometimes I'd start to pass out and couldn't complete.
Compounded with the fact that I also frequently failed the iron test and couldnt even start the donation, giving blood is a stressful gamble for me, and I haven't tried in many years.
I have had the same experience and find it very embarrassing. I think I was getting into my own head the later times after failing to complete the first couple.
I have to laugh it off whenever anyone mentions donating blood, but I feel like a bit of a failure every time. Also I'm O- which makes it even worse.
I don’t even have any idea what my blood type is. I wish I knew, but it seems like the only way for me to find out is to give blood. The problem with that is that I can’t. I have made it about 10min in at the longest, and the finger prick to test the hemoglobin at the worst. The finger prick was downright embarrassing but also pretty hilarious.
Your doctor's office might have the records, and it could be worth asking if that can be included the next time you have to have blood drawn for something else, it's good to just know.
But it's also ok not to, hospitals will type you quickly if it's necessary and give you O- (or O+ I think) until then.
I used to work at a college campus that would bring donation buses in for blood draws, and I would donate when they were on campus. I stopped when the company started harassing me to donate. They would call me weekly to schedule donations at cities a 45+ minute drive away, and it was clear their call center people didn't know the geography of the rural area we were in. I also told them that I walked or biked to work and couldn't drive for two hours in the middle of my day.
I finally blocked their number when they called and woke me up at 8:15 am on a Sunday morning on the first day I had a chance to sleep in for months. Never donated since. Now, I've since moved and my new research park has the same thing, and I might give them a try since I think they only send out announcements through our work liaison.
I'm so frustrated with the Red Cross, they would call me ALL the time.
In my area, there is a local blood bank and Red Cross. When they used to have a donation center in my county, I would split my whole blood donation visits between them. Now, Red Cross stopped doing donations in my county and their closest option is 25 miles away.
Every time they have called me since, I tell them if they do donations in the city near me, then I will schedule something. I just realized they have stopped calling about 2 months ago. Now I visit the local blood bank every 2 months for a donation.
If you want to donate regularly, you can schedule your next appointment and they won't call you. (red cross has an app that makes rescheduling easy) but they do also have to take your name off their call list if you ask. I just ignore/screen their reminder calls
After several calls past "removing me from the list" (I'd moved several hours away), I told them I had died. And that finally stopped the calls lol
Damn, well the Red Cross listens to me at least lol
Agreed about hydration! The few times I've been lightheaded, it's been me being under-hydrated.
I haven't celebrated with spicy food though, I'll have to do that.
5+ gallons! That's an incredible amount. Kudos for your generosity, Rez.
COVID and kids really threw a wrench into my donation schedule. I used to do it very regularly for years at a time. Lately I keep having to cancel due to last minute scheduling conflicts or being sick.
Good reminder for me to sign up for this soon, I was waiting for a couple of months since I got some new tattoos but I think I heard that they've shortened those requirements.
Here's one of their eligibility info pages.
Unfortunately I got mine when I was in Japan so I'm not too sure how it'll work :/ but it's been more than 3 months so I'll sign up when I'm finally home from vacation!
Already doing all I can! Would definitely recommend everyone that can donate does. I often feel bad that I’m not giving as much as I can to help others. But at least with blood donations it’s easy to hit the maximum you’re physically capable of replenishing. It’s time specifically set aside to be selfless.
Besides being a selfless thing to do, it is a short period of enforced stillness that can nicely break up a stressful work day. And when do a little bag of cookies and box of juice ever taste better than after giving blood? I started donating during the pandemic and will hit the gallon mark in April.
My local Red Cross phlebotomists and I are buddies as I'm a regular and also sometimes have iron issues so I may be back a couple weeks in a row before I can donate. I joke that if they don't have apple juice they have to give me the blood back.
I've always been interested in donating blood, but never actually gone and done it. It seems there are lots of options for which organization to donate blood to in my area: The Red Cross, Vitalant, my local hospital, maybe more? How do I choose which one to go with?
In my experience, it doesn't really matter - they all have to abide by Federal standards. For me personally, I stick with Red Cross, in part because if I donate 4x a year with them, I get some swag in January. But I also make sure I go to the actual donation center because I don't have issues with my appointments running late vs blood drives on campus or other remote locations. I've gotten to know the staff and they know to check my iron before we do my BP or temp or anything.
So it can depend on the local folks! Go where you have a good experience and advocate for yourself once you know (For a while I tended to lie back more to avoid the lightheaded feeling while donating.
My blood has all stayed in the state, (the RC app gives me updates on that which is also neat), I don't expect it to be much different when it comes to where your blood goes for any org, but maybe someone else knows more.
I'd pick one based on convenience. How close, appointment availability. Depending on blood type, you'll probably want to do whole blood or power red donations (power red takes a bit longer, but they get double the red cells while returning plasma and platelets), so also ensure the selected facility has whichever you plan to do. Besides that, I might preferably select a blood donation center.
I’ve donated regularly for years (typically the double red due to my blood type being desirable), and I used to donate with the Red Cross until I discovered a local organization that was more conveniently located and readily available for scheduling. It’s a form of charity that costs me nothing (other than the hour or two spent in my day), and there are some loosely associated health benefits to boot.
Beyond choosing them for the convenience, my local organization redistributes the blood locally first which makes me feel more connected to my community. Not to shame the Red Cross’s business model, but they sell blood to hospitals across a national network and a part of me prefers serving the same community I benefit from living in. My organization was also the first in the US to collect convalescent plasma during the COVID pandemic, which shows more agility/initiative for addressing health concerns. Lastly, and this may be regional, the Red Cross facilities near me felt a little ramshackle like they were squatting in someone else’s building, with the attendants being less than attentive. There could be similar organizations near you if these are important considerations for you.
I’d pick a smaller operation. I currently go to a little university building and imagining going to a hospital sounds much worse. But it’s hard to know.
I've wanted to donate blood in Canada (where I live) and Italy (where I was born), however I am ineligible as I lived in the UK from 1992-2004. I hope science figures out how to screen for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease so I can contribute too.
Looking it up, seems like you might be able to donate now?
FDA is American. @online_persona is Canadian. But coincidentally enough, Health Canada actually lifted their own similar ban a few weeks ago (Dec 4th):
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/mad-cow-blood-donation-ban-lifted-quebec-1.7035999
Looks like my wife can do her first blood donation ever! She's always been disqualified because of Mad Cow. While I'm not surprised it took 20 years, better late than never.
That's awesome! I will donate in Canada for sure!!
My mother is currently in an ICU in Italy and has received several pints of blood. The only thing I (thought) could do was to donate blood to replenish the amounts used, however the ban is still in effect in Italy.
I always wanted to donate blood growing up but every time I found myself coming up with an excuse for not having the time.
Sadly I've since been diagnosed with a chronic disease that makes me ineligible to donate. On the plus side, the doctors get plenty of my blood to keep for themselves.
Very thankful to everyone who is able to donate.
Are your doctors vampires?
I'd love to donate - but I'm always just below the weight requirements. I'm not sure how well it scales, I'm certainly not an expert, but you'd think they'd be able to proportionally scale down how much blood they take, since I'm at a very healthy weight. I'm just short. lol
They take a very specific amount. I'm a quarter inch too short to donate Power Reds, but that's something I'd stretch the truth about as I'm not under-weight (I am however under-iron)
I believe the problem is that they measure blood that is transfused in "units" so half units aren't very helpful...although that seems like it would be an easy problem to overcome.
I wish I wasn’t absolutely terrified of needles or I’d donate, but it’s hard enough doing the finger prick for my health insurance (a few years I’ve chosen just to do a higher monthly rate rather than face the needle).
We are two people who (I assume) wish we could understand the other. I've had workers comment when I get shots and watch them insert the needle. There are many other things that give me the willies, but to me it's just a shot so I don't see any reason to not watch. I get that it's a visceral horror for a lot of people, though.
Done!