For several reasons, including fear of pain or contracting a disease, many are reluctant to donate blood. Yet there is no need to worry about contracting a communicable disease when donating blood because safety measures are always implemented.

THINGS TO DO A DAY BEFORE BLOOD DONATION

 

For several reasons, including fear of pain or contracting a disease, many are reluctant to donate blood. Yet there is no need to worry about contracting a communicable disease when donating blood because safety measures are always implemented. Donating blood is a wonderful deed that can save at least three lives (because you will be donating at least 3 different components with your blood). Yet it's important to give blood in the right way. You could be sent back if you don't take care of a few things. For successful blood donation, keep in mind the following:

 

1. GOOD SLEEP: We advise that you get a good night’s sleep between 7 and 9 hours the night before you intend to donate. This will help you to feel more alert when you donate, which will in turn reduce the risk of feeling unwell.

 

2. DRINK WATER: Drink a lot of water of about 16 litres, or other nonalcoholic drinks in the night and morning before your appointment to donate. This will make the process as quick and painless as possible. It is also important to ensure that you are well hydrated in the days leading up to your donation. This will help to compensate for the fluids lost during donation and will help to bring your blood volume levels back to normal.

 

3. MEDICATION: You want to be certain that you can donate after making the decision to do so and exerting the effort to attend your appointment. Determine whether any medication you are currently taking or have recently taken will prevent you from donating. Although most people are eligible to donate, there are some limitations, depending on your health, medication, and whether you recently traveled overseas.

 

4. DRESS COMFORTABLY: To allow us easy access to your veins, and to make sure that you are comfortable, dress in outfit with loose sleeves that you can roll up above your elbows. 

 

5. EXERCISE:Avoid doing any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting a day before and the day of your donation and after you’ve donated. Keeping your body in a rested state is important to give it a chance to replenish the fluids lost during donation, which will help you avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded and keep you well. Light exercise such as walking is fine, but please make sure that you are fully recovered and hydrated prior to your donation. 

 

6. EAT HEALTHY: Ensure that your diet contains iron rich food such as red meat, fish, fruits like watermelon, poultry, beans, spinach, iron fortified cereals or raisins and green leafy vegetables. Eating regularly before donating will help your blood sugar levels stable.

 

Contact Trauma Care International Foundation to schedule a blood drive today!

his publication is part of TRAUMA CARE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (TCIF) advocacy briefs under the SAFE BLOOD, SAVE LIVES series. 

For more information about our Voluntary Blood Donation Initiatives (VBDI),

Call: 0808 678 3416 or 0808 584 9338 

Email: [email protected],

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