Q Who can give blood?
A Anyone between the ages of 17 and 60 who are fit and healthy. Regular donors can keep on giving blood right up until the age of 70.
Q Will I be asked hundreds of questions before I give blood?
A Yes, we will be asking you a number of questions, but don't worry - we promise to get through it all as quickly as possible. And there is a good reason for it. Our primary concern is that giving blood won't affect your health in any way. We also have to make sure that your blood is safe for patients. We just need to find out whether or not you can give blood. Things like medical conditions, even colds, can all affect your suitability, although usually it's just temporary. We do need your co-operation in answering these questions. And of course all your details will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Q What if I need to take medication?
A Do tell us if you're on any kind of medication. Medicines, pills, injections, anything. Some of these may affect your blood and mean we can't take your donation for now.
Q How often can I give blood?
A 3 times a year, which comes to roughly every 16 weeks.
Q How much blood will I lose?
A Only about 475 ml, which is just under a pint, and not, as some have thought, quite an armful. Bodies are amazing things, and yours will replace that lost fluid in a very short period of time.
Q How will giving blood affect my health?
A If you're fit and healthy, you shouldn't experience any problems whatsoever.
Q What if I develop an infection after I donate?
A If you become unwell within two weeks of your donation, or if you believe there's any reason why your blood shouldn't be transfused to a patient, please inform the hospital.
Q What if I feel faint when I get home?
A You need to take it easy for a few hours after giving blood, so give that aerobics class a miss. But if you do feel faint or dizzy, sit down immediately and put your head between your knees. Ideally, let someone else know if you're feeling a bit faint. If faintness persists after your donation, don't hesitate to call us or the hospital .
Q What can I do before and after giving blood?
A Drink loads of liquid before and after you donate - and not the alcoholic variety please. Eat your regular meals too, and do let us know if you've skipped a meal on the day.
Q Can I smoke after giving blood?
A Probably best that you don't for about two hours after donating, as it might make you feel dizzy or faint.
Q Can I go back to work on the same day?
A Unfortunately the answer is yes. However, there's always an 'however' - and it's unwise to give blood just before undertaking a hazardous hobby or job, such as driving a crane or driving in the emergency services.
Q I gave up smoking and I am using patches, will I still be able to give blood?
A Yes, probably. If you suffer from any symptoms as a result of quitting, we suggest you only give blood once those symptoms have passed.Most patches, nasal sprays and gum do not prevent you from giving blood but bring them along to the session and show the nurse or doctor before donating.
Q I sometimes take tranquillisers. Does this prevent me from giving blood?
A The session medical staff will need to see what medication you are on, so bring it with you. The nurse or doctor may have a quick chat with you about your medication and any underlying condition, but in the vast majority of cases tranquillisers do not stop you from giving blood.
Q I suffer from varicose veins. As blood is carried around my body through my veins am I able to give blood?
A Providing you are otherwise fit and healthy you are still able to be a blood donor and donating will do you no harm. However, if you are awaiting surgery or have recently had surgery this may temporarily exclude you.
Q I've just had a tattoo and am dismayed that I can't donate for 6 months. Why?
A There is always an infection risk whenever the skin is pierced, and tattooing means lots of piercing. You MUST tell us if you have had ear piercing, body piercing or tattooing, or have had acupuncture between 6 and 12 months ago as your donation may need an additional blood test.
Q I have started taking 75mg of aspirin a day to thin my blood and help prevent heart attacks. Will this affect my ability to donate blood?
A You can donate blood but, because aspirin may affect platelet function, your donation will not be used for preparing platelets. That is why it is always important to let us know if you are taking any over the counter medication regularly.
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