What will happen to me? (National Blood Services (NBS))

Member Name: destiny2909

Product:	National Blood Services (NBS)
Date:	12/08/08 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Staff are professionals.

Disadvantages: Lack of chocolate biscuits if you are late in the day.

FYI: This is not a review of how the blood service was set up, what it's purpose is, or what happens to the blood after donation. This is a review of what can happen to your body before, during and after giving blood.

I have been giving blood for about 6 years now and have recently given my 16th pint. For a regular donor such as myself, the process is basically the same as it would be for a new donor. You have to start by filling in a health questionnaire. This asks simple questions about your general health and where you have been or what have you been doing since you last donated. This is to protect you as much as the potential recipient of your blood, so it is important to be honest.
You then go for the finger prick test (I'm sure it has some official name, but I don't know it!). The nurse goes over your form and then draws a tiny bit of blood from your finger tip to test your iron levels.
Assuming iron levels are ok, you are then fit to donate. A needle is put in your (usually left) arm. You are encouraged to keep wiggling your fingers to keep the blood flow going and then stay there until you've filled the bag! It's just under a pint. Then you can go away for free drinks and biccies!

I have always felt absolutely fine after donation except for on two occasions. The first time was one of my very first donations on a hot summers day. I left the building too fast and very nearly fainted on my walk home.
The second time I felt unwell was actually the last time I donated! But it didn't happen until the morning after! I was making my breakfast and suddenly felt very light headed and nauseous. I had to go and sit down and was having cold sweats. Yet 10 minutes later I felt absolutely fine and happily ate my breakfast. I also bruised badly on that occasion, but don't know if the two are linked.
In both cases, my negative effects were very minor and are definitely outweighed by the thought that I am doing a Good Thing.

Helpful tips:
1: Drink LOTS before you go. During donation you are losing a lot of fluid very quickly. At the same rate as someone who has had a major trauma (spurting arteries and all that). It is very important that you hydrate well before hand, and drink plenty afterwards to help replace the fluids you've lost.
2: Take advantage of the free drinks and biscuits. Sometimes it can take a while for your body to adjust to the sudden blood loss and it is better for you to have a funny turn with nurses all around you than when you are walking home or at work, or worse still, in your car.
3: If possible, arrange for someone to pick you up afterwards. After all, you've just had a major blood loss. YOU know it's nothing to worry about, but your body doesn't necessarily know that... Bodies can do strange things, and behind the wheel perhaps isn't the best place to be if it all goes pear-shaped.
4: REST. Perhaps the most important thing you can do to help yourself after donation is to REST. Get someone else to cook the dinner, bath the kids, walk the dog. You just sit and bask in the glow of having just served humanity.

Remember, in 99% of cases, if people follow the above common sense advice, blood donation will cause you no negative effects. Just remember to look after yourself. :)

Summary: Do something good today. Give blood.