Facts of Blood Donation
From LoveToKnow Charity
People who roll up their sleeves and donate blood may wonder about the actual facts of blood donation, such as how it feels to donate blood and where the blood goes. Once you know the facts you might feel more comfortable with this safe process.
Painful or Painless
Does it hurt to give blood? The actual act of having blood drawn for donation does not generally hurt, although the initial steps of inserting the needle may be slightly painful. The people who work for blood donation organizations are usually seasoned professionals and quite familiar with the best way to insert a needle for the least amount of pain, but there is always the chance that there will be some pain associated with the needle's entrance into the skin. There is also the chance that some blood may squirt out of the arm when the needle is first inserted, but this does not happen often and does not cause additional discomfort.
While the blood is being drawn it might be slightly uncomfortable but there should not be any serious pain present. After the blood is drawn there may be some bruising and you may feel a little weak, but the vast majority of people feel completely fine after donating blood.
Fear of Needles
Some people have a viable fear of needles, but still want to donate blood for a worthy cause. Technicians can help these folks along during the donation process and also have certain methods in place to deal with people who start to feel faint or panicked.
If you want to donate blood, but are uncomfortable around needles, disclose this fact to the representative assisting you and appropriate steps will be taken to help you. A fear of needles does not automatically disqualify a person from donating blood.
The Time it Takes
It usually takes more time to go through the screening process than it does to actually donate blood, and this is because the organization wants to review any history you may have that can potentially raise the odds of problems with your blood. Questions are asked regarding your sexual history and your travel history to foreign countries.
The entire process – including waiting time – can take up to an hour, but the actual process of donating blood usually only takes approximately fifteen minutes. During your wait time you will have the opportunity to read literature explaining facts of blood donation and can also ask questions to the workers on staff.
Where the Blood Goes
Many people assume that their blood donations go directly to a sick patient in a hospital, but this is not always the case. Donated blood is used in a variety of ways:
- Emergency care for a patient
- Research
- Placed into storage for a short time in case it is needed
- Divided so different elements can be used as needed
If you donate the blood for yourself – which is called an autologous donation – then the blood is held at the medical facility where you will have your procedure.
Find Out More Facts of Blood Donation
The American Red Cross offers a great deal of information regarding facts of blood donation on their website. Representatives are also available over the phone to answer questions pertaining to this worthy cause: 1-800-257-7575.
Some communities also have local blood donation centers that are run by other organizations. Since these organizations might have different procedures and regulations, contact them directly with any questions before going in to donate blood. Some blood donation centers actually pay donors for their blood, but these centers are different from charitable causes and are actually for profit, so decide whether you want to make a blood donation or if you would rather sell your blood before you make an appointment to give blood.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,356 times. This page was last modified 23:15, 31 December 2008.
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