I'm going to give blood on Thursday for the first time...?

Question

I'm finally 17. What should I bring for id, what else will I need, and how can I prevent passing out? I'm a vegetarian and it isn't that time of the month yet, is there anything I should know about either of those things?

Answer 1

Well make sure you eat enough the morning of, if you dont have enough iron in your system you cant give blood. and the most important thing is to relax!! just keep thinking of what a great thing you are doing and how you are saving a life.

just a photo id should work.

& i dont think your period has anything to do with giving blood!

Good luck!

Answer 2

I am not sure about your question, but I wanted to thank you. As a recently diagnosed cancer survivor, I had to go through many blood transfusions, and they saved my life.  From the bottom of my heart, and I am sure the people who are in the hospital now, getting transfusions, thank you, and God bless you and your family, they have raised a wonderful daughter.

Answer 3

This shouldn't be a concern this time, but do know that your iron levels decrease when you are on your period. And when you give blood, you want to make sure your iron level is high. A simple solution to that would be to take an iron supplement vitamin (they have these at most drug stores & supermarkets) a few hours before you go to donate.

But aside from all that, congrats on giving blood!! These donations are what save so many people's lives. :)

Answer 4

Lie down while you are giving blood....Once I almost passed out...not a big deal.  I was sitting up at the time...once I lied down  there was no problem....also drink a lot of water or fluids the night before.  Finally, relax it's easy and you're doing something good....

Answer 5

If you are tattooed and/or pierced (like me) there is a wait period for when you can actually give...keep that in mind.

Answer 6

Different parts of the world have different regulations.

In Australia, you have to prove that you are who you say you are, provide a medical history, and a doctors cert to say that you do not have any major reason why you cannot give blood. They then take a sample and put it aside. Check your BP and say, come back when you recieve a clearance certificate from the blood bank.

Last time I was in America in Washington several years ago, I called in to give blood and no questions asked and I was paid a few dollars for doing something I usually give for free.

Did not even want my name and address.

Malaya, I was coupled up with a person who needed blood and that was that in the operating theatre. Just the blood type checked to see if compatible. That was many years ago before we heard of aids.

Answer 7

drink a ton of fluid and if its in the morning try to eat somthing non-greasy. so somthing like a steamed brocolie thing. not anything with oils or butter

like peanut butter that has oil

tons of water a few days, or the day before and fduring the day causes the veins to pop out more. and more blood.

Answer 8

bring a drivers liscense if you have one if not than a state id. eat something before you go in to give blood and eat a small sweet snack afterwards and some juice

Answer 9

Good for you.  Been doing it for almost 40 years. Have never passed out or regretted doing my part.  Just think, you are helping save someones life.

The Red Cross Staff will make you comfortable and answer all questions.  Might want to bring your MP3 player. The music played at blood drives might not be to your liking.