12.5g/dL and men must have a minimum level of 13g/dL), this may affect whether or not you are eligible to donate blood even if you are within a low normal hemoglobin range.
If you’ve had hemoglobin problems in the past, you should have a conversation with your healthcare provider.
7. There are things you can do to prepare yourself
“We know when a person donates a unit of blood, you lose iron and so to build that iron back up, we definitely recommend that our regular donors consult with their healthcare provider about taking a multivitamin,” Dr. Miller suggests.
She also encourages people to eat a healthy diet that is rich in iron, drink plenty of water and get lots of rest prior to their appointment.
“Drink plenty of water because that helps replenish some of the fluid that you will lose when you donate a unit of blood,” she shares.
8. You can save time with RapidPass
For those looking to save time at the blood drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass the day of your appointment to answer the health history questions online before coming to the drive. Completing a RapidPass can reduce time spent at the drive by up to 15 minutes.
“Once you answer all the questions, you will receive a barcode to present at the blood drive along with your ID. A staff member will scan the barcode, ask you two or three confirmatory questions and then you are quickly on your way,” Dr. Miller shares.
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9. You will have to be monitored after you donate
“In health history, one of our collection staff members will check your pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and your hemoglobin. If you are eligible to give, you will be seated comfortably and a phlebotomist will cleanse your arm, and insert a brand-new sterile needle to collect one pint of blood. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to donate a pint of whole blood. Once complete, a bandage is placed on your arm and you are invited to the “canteen” or refreshment and recovery area, to sit down, rest up and get a delicious snack and drink because you’ve just donated a unit of blood,” Dr. Miller shares.
To ensure you are feeling well after donating, you will be asked to spend 10 to 15 minutes in the refreshment and recovery area before you leave.
You will also be asked to drink an extra four glasses (eight ounces each) of non-alcoholic liquids, keep your bandage on for the next five hours, and refrain from heavy exercising or lifting for the day.
If you’ve never donated blood before, Dr. Miller advises calling 1-800-RED CROSS or simply coming in to see if you are eligible because many people assume they aren’t eligible when they are.
For more information on donating blood or to schedule an appointment to give, visit Joined by Blood or call 1-800-RED CROSS.