Improving veins for donating blood

[MrsMarrio]

Booked my first blood donation for today, drank plenty, got there and when it came to the vein check the only vein they could find is only good enough for blood samples apparently. Was told it was common among young women (I’m 28) and veins can change so try again in 2 years if it is something I’d still like to do. I’ve had blood samples taken regularly over the last 2.5 years and phlebotomists always have a little moan about me not having great veins so I know in over 2 years my veins haven’t changed so is there anything I can actually do to improve my chances of donating?

@LaurieSchafferIsAllBitterNow I am as well. I've managed 4 mins 10 in the past but the last few have been around 5 mins

It always catches them off guard if they wander off doing other jobs

I am fairly regular blood donator, but where I am the sessions are always oversubscribed and you have to book about six months in advance.

It’s amazing that you want to donate, but don’t feel bad if you decide not to try again.
If it’s like where I am, they always fill the slots, and your unsuccessful donation has filled a slot that could have been used by a successful donation. (Not blaming you, you couldn’t have known this beforehand.)

Usually the shortages in blood stocks are for particular types, and people with those types will get actively contacted and asked to donate - so unless you get contacted I think you should consider sparing your veins and not trying again.

I have rubbish veins! The last time I had to have a blood test (a fasting one at that) the phlebotomist tried both arms, both hands and moved on to my feet... And was still unsuccessful.

I feel very sad about not being able to give blood, as in the year before my mother died, she had many, many transfusions and blood products. But sadly it just isn't meant to be, so I promote it widely and encourage my loved ones to go instead.

I’m the same as you OP. Nurses tried in both arms at the blood bank but nothing.

Last time I had to get a blood test it took four tries before they got blood and they had to use the tiny butterfly needle. Apparently they usually only give it three tries but I told them I was happy for them to try again as I’d psyched myself up for the appointment.

At least we gave blood donation a try. I highly doubt they want people with dodgy veins to donate anyway.

@JemimaTiggywinkle I’m guessing a few people are turned away unsuspectingly due to iron levels.
But I didn’t even get into the chair to donate! They just had a feel of the inside of my elbows after the pinprick and told me no

@HeatherShimmerIsMyShade see I’ve had a fasting one done too and they again got blood straight away. Maybe I’m awkwardly in between being like getting blood from a stone but not good enough for donation 🤣

My mum calls me a camel as I never drink much. I drank loads on donation day but it was very very forced maybe I should drink more on the days before? The only time I drink a good amount is when I’m pregnant and then I drink gallons

So Update: they’ve withdrawn my account, so can’t attempt to give blood again!

I also got thrown out of the donor service for having crap veins! I donated once then went back another time and first they struggled to get the needle in and then I wasn't bleeding fast enough so they stopped and told me not to bother going back! But they still send me letters when they need donors
I'm normal weight, exercise, drink at least 3 litres of water a day, I'd walked there, I just have small veins that like to hide. If I need a blood test it's not uncommon for it to take several attempts and them to get a second person to come and have a try!

@emmathedilemma think what’s annoyed me more than anything is they didn’t actually physically try, if after an attempt to get blood didn’t work then they said it’s not for me then fine! I’m in a right huff about it