When drawing up your bucket list, it need not be all adrenaline-filled adventures. Doing something worthwhile can give equal pleasure.
Giving blood is relatively simple and is much in demand, requiring over 130,000 new donors every year for life-saving procedures. But can you actually donate, does it hurt, and what does it entail?
Who Can Donate?
There are very few rules around this, and providing you are fit and well, between the ages of 17 and 65, and have suitable veins, you are likely to be accepted. However, there are some people who will not be permitted, and these include anybody who has had cancer, or an organ transplant, or who has been diagnosed with Hepatitis B or C.
Some time restrictions also apply, such as if you have recently been abroad or had a baby.
What Happens When Giving Blood?
If it’s your first time, you will need to complete a health questionnaire and, surprisingly, be asked to drink a glass of water! This will make the procedure much easier as you will be hydrated. You will be pleased to know that it doesn’t hurt and typically takes around 10 minutes.
Initially, you will be tested for your haemoglobin levels with a quick finger prick. If satisfactory, a cuff will be placed on your arm to maintain pressure. You might be surprised to learn that only one attempt is made to draw blood. Afterwards, you will be encouraged to relax for around 15 minutes with a free hot drink and a snack!
Overall, this is one of the most valuable ways of spending your time, and hopefully won’t be a one-off occasion. Your contribution will be very much appreciated, especially if you have a rarer blood type that is in demand. All in all a commendable activity.
