It is vital that blood donors prepare themselves properly.
Blood donors should come to a blood drive well rested. Before donating blood, donors MUST feel healthy and eat a non-fat meal, e.g. bread and jam, and tea, juice or coffee. DO NOT attend a blood drive ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.
New donors are recommended to get acquainted with the blood taking procedure and, if required, ask for our advice.
Adverse effects to blood donation
Adverse effects to blood donation are rare. They may reveal as mild dizziness, vertigo, indisposition and sometimes also as loss of consciousness or collapse. These effects are transient and usually clear up completely after a donor is properly taken care of (placed in a supine position with legs slightly raised, rested, rehydrated, etc.). Slight bruising or a local complication may occur where the needle is inserted.
After blood is drawn, donors are invited for a complimentary meal at the dining room and, hence, kept for a short observation for possible adverse reactions.
The body replaces cells within a few days after blood is drawn, while plasma is replaced as early as within a few hours after donation. On the day blood is drawn, donors are advised to rest and not engage in strenuous activities, e.g. long-lasting sports activities, hard work, work at a height, diving and so on.
