Driving by a local community building, a sign outside reads “American Red Cross Here Today from 8 till 5. Donate blood today.” After a few seconds of hesitating, the car wheel magically steers to the right and a parking space right up front is unoccupied, a sign that it is fate that has brought the person here.
If it is the first time giving blood, it does not have to be a nerve racking experience. The process is very predictable, comforting, and extremely self-rewarding. From the moment that the potential donor steps into the door, he feels welcome and important. This guide outlines the process of blood donation to help ease any budding anxiety that may await.
Registration Process to be a Blood Donor
After walking in the front door, the first process is to register to be a donor. The potential donor is read information about donating blood. A form is then filled out by the prospective contributor. The form covers basic health information as well as demographic questions.
A form of identification is always required to be a donor, so be sure to bring this with you.
Health History and Mini Physical
This step is not as intensive as a physical at a doctor’s office, but is necessary in order to complete the full process of becoming a life-saving blood donor. The health history and mini physical is completed in a private manner, and stays completely confidential. The questions will be conducted in an interview-style process.
Standard medical procedures will be conducted, such as checking a person’s pulse, temperature, iron level, and blood pressure. This is done for the safety of the donor as well as the potential recipient. Certain factors may exclude a donor from being able to donate. Don’t let this be a deterrent. If a potential donor is turned down, they can almost always return at a later date.
Process of Donating Blood
A series of comfortable chairs will be set up throughout the donation location. The donor will be seated, and will then be prepped for the actual donation. The area that will have blood drawn from will be cleansed with alcohol, and a needle will be inserted by a qualified phlebotomist. A total of one pint of blood is filled into a bag, and the entire process takes only about seven to 10 minutes total. After removal of the needle, the draw site is covered with a bandage.
Refreshments Available After Donating Blood
Donors are never encouraged to leave immediately after donation. Rather, a refreshment table with snacks and fluids is available to allow the body to adjust to the loss of blood. There are no restrictions after donating blood, and the best part is leaving with the satisfaction that another’s life may be saved by such a generous gift.
In the USA Today article titled “N.Y. Blood Donor Nears 40-Gallon Mark”, author unknown, New York resident Al Fisher has helped nearly 1,000 people by donating blood regularly.
Being a Blood Donor - A Selfless Act
It is not necessary to wait for a community blood drive; finding a blood donation location is as easy as checking the American Red Cross website. There, potential donors can find a blood drive, calculate when they can schedule their next donation, and even make an appointment to donate blood. Every time blood is donated, another child, veteran, mother or father has the resources to receive a transfusion in a life-threatening situation. All because of one selfless act.
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