Blood donation

	PROCESS STEPS
	Before donation Not fasting. Not having consumed alcohol. Complete questionnaire with affiliation data and health questions. Medical examination. Taking blood pressure and checking hemoglobin level.
	During the donation The process takes a total of 20 minutes on average. The donation bag fills in about 10 minutes. The donation of a 450 cc blood bag by means of a puncture similar to that of an analysis. The extraction of tubes for analysis: determination of blood group, serology of AIDS, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, blood cell count: red blood cells, platelets and leukocytes.
	after donation It is important to exert pressure for a few minutes where the puncture has been made to extract the blood in order to avoid the appearance of bruises, as well as rest and take a snack to replenish fluids. In the first two hours after donation should be avoided: To drink alcohol. Smoke. Expose to high temperatures. Drive heavy vehicles. Perform intense exercise. During the following 24 hours you should drink plenty of fluids.

The results of the analysis will be sent to the address provided by the donor. In the case of being the first donation, you will also receive the card that accredits you as a blood donor where you can record subsequent donations.

Remember that any questions that may arise will be resolved by the medical team at the donation point you go to, also through the twitter profile @madridonasangre or freephone 900 30 35 30.

Is donating blood complicated?

Donating blood is very simple. You have to get as comfortable as possible: usually in a special chair or on a stretcher. First, the area of ​​the crease on the inside of one of your arms will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and then a nurse will insert a sterile needle into your vein, connected to a bag to collect the blood. In general, donating a unit of blood takes only about 10 minutes.

After resting for 10 to 15 minutes and having a snack, you will be able to return to your usual activities, although you will need to avoid strenuous exertion for the rest of the day. Likewise, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids for the next 24 hours.

Is it a safe procedure?

Yes! Remember that you will only be accepted as a blood donor if you are in good condition to do so. Your health and well-being are very important to the blood donation service. The bag and needles used to collect and store blood come in a sterile package that cannot be reused, ensuring the safety of the procedure.

Is it painful?

Flex your arm squeezing hard and you'll quickly get an idea of ​​what it will feel like when the needle is inserted. All you will feel is gentle pressure, but no pain. Blood donation is very safe and it is not usual to have discomfort or problems during or after the procedure.

What happens when I donate blood?

Whether it is the first time you donate blood or if you are a regular donor, the blood donation service must guarantee that the donation does not cause you any harm. You also need to make sure your blood is safe for the person receiving it.

Before donating blood, you will need to answer a few questions about your medical history, current health status, and lifestyle. These questions are for the sole purpose of safeguarding your own health and that of the person receiving your blood.

They will inform you if you are able to donate blood and, if not, if you can be a donor in the future. Any personal information requested from you will be treated confidentially and may not be used for any other purpose.

Do I have to answer everything in the questionnaire?

It is important that you honestly disclose if there is any reason you believe your blood may not be appropriate. After answering the questions, you will be given a brief medical exam that includes checking your pulse, blood pressure, hemoglobin level, and weight.

Your health is very important to the blood transfusion service and a blood draw will not be done unless there is full assurance that you are in a position to make a donation that day.

And what exactly does it mean to be a voluntary unpaid blood donor?

The definition generally accepted by national and international institutions, WHO, scientific societies that participate in the celebration of "World Blood Donor Day" is as follows:

Voluntary unpaid blood donors are people who donate blood, plasma or other blood components of their own free will and who do not receive any payment, in cash or in kind, that could be considered a substitute for money, such as a license of work for a time greater than that reasonably required by the procedure itself. Some small tokens of appreciation and snacks are compatible with voluntary unpaid blood donation.

How much time should elapse between two blood donations?

A donation can be made every 8 weeks, bearing in mind that in a twelve-month period women may not donate more than three times and men may not donate more than four times.

Can I donate if I have my period?

In principle, there is no problem since a hemoglobin test is carried out before the donation to check that the level is adequate. In addition, the frequency parameter applied to women, to safeguard the level of iron sufficient after donation, is lower than that of men (three times/year compared to four times for men).

I have already turned 65, can I continue donating?

Yes, if you have previously donated, are in good health and medically cleared.

I take pills for cholesterol, blood pressure, contraceptives... I can't donate, right?

Of course, yes, this type of medication does not exclude donation. For other medications there is the possibility that you have to wait a while to be able to donate and others that do exclude. The health personnel of the donation will solve your doubts in this regard.

I have to come fasting to be able to donate… right?

On the contrary, it is convenient not to donate fasting, you must have eaten at least a small amount of food. At the end of the donation, you will be offered a drink that provides the level of liquid lost during the process and if you wish you can also have a small snack.

Since they do blood tests… why don't they also check my sugar and cholesterol?

The analysis that we send, after the donation, includes the serology of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis, as well as a complete blood count (hemoglobin, platelets, leukocytes).

Other biochemical determinations (cholesterol, uric acid...) require a fast of at least 4 hours for the results to be reliable. Logically blood donors are not in these conditions. For this reason, the biochemical determinations that are made after blood donation are not reliable and their results can be greatly affected by intake. It does not seem right to us to send analyzes that we know have not been done under optimal conditions.

Can I donate if I am pregnant?

During pregnancy, the fetus will take all the iron it needs from its mother's reserves, so it is not recommended to donate so as not to decrease them. But if you have donated during the first weeks of pregnancy and did not know you were pregnant, do not worry, just discuss it with your doctor so that they can assess your blood iron levels.

How long do I have to wait if I have had a tattoo or piercing?

Spanish legislation establishes a waiting period of four months before making a blood donation from the time the tattoo or piercing is performed.