Giving blood for the 1st time. Please tell me what happens.

[tortoise]

So this morning i notice a sign up in town saying about giving blood and that it is happening today from 1.30.

Have been saying for ages that i want to do it but have always had kids in the way.

So, i am going to go today but would like to know what to expect.
I assume i can just turn up?
What happens once i get there?

You can just turn up but you may end up waiting a while
when you turn up they will ask you to read a booklet and fill out a form.
If you pass the criteria for that then they will take a drop of blood by pricking your finger and check your iron levels
If the are fine they will take just under a pint from you and a few samples to send of to test for things like your blood group etc
Afterwards they like you to lie for a bit to make sure you don't faint and then you get a drink and biscuits

You turn up, they take your details, make sure you are eligible (no recent piercings, tattoos, no drug use or anything that might pose an HIV risk) then they check you are not anaemic - prick your thumb and test the blood.

If all OK then they take the blood while you lie down, takes about 10 mins, then you can stay lying down and enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit while you 'recover'.

then go home and feel jolly good about yourself!!! Well done you for going.

They do a blood pressure test too - I know because I kept failing them and being sent home! [although the lady kindly let me have a cup of tea and a biscuit anyway!].

Try not to get competitive, like I do by seeing if you can get your pint out faster than everyone else.

Blinglovin - is that something new as I have never had my bp taken!
i haven't been able to give for a while as I had an op in July

Oh, maybe they only do that in SA then? I can't give blood here as I come from Africa (I know, hilarious) so haven't attempted it. But definitely, in South Africa they ALWAYS check your blood pressure to make sure that taking a pint won't send you over the edge (or under, depending on how you look at it).

Well done tortoise, it is truly a great thing to do. A bit of advice, you should make sure you have PLENTY TO EAT before you go, otherwise it could make you feel a little light-headed.

Then afterwards they give you loads of juice/tea biscuits/crisps and usually a nice sticker saying you have donated!

well done again.

Thanks for all the advice.
I will get there early so that i have plenty of time before rushing to pick DC up from school!

lol Blinglovin. I can see me being like that trying to get my pint out quicker!

Need to leave in about 40 mins.

from 1:30?
When do you need to pick your DC's up from school?
Some people can react badly their first time (faint etc...) So you may need extra time to recover and they won't let you out if you are not ok.
It's a normal reaction for the body to make when losing almost a pint for the first time.

how long after a tattoo do you have to wait?

2 cute I think it is a year

Well, all went absolutly fine. No problems and i was out in no time at all.
Have made an appointment for March when they are next here.

Well done you. I hope you have inspired some others to give blood too! Hope the biscuits were good....

Well done!

www.blood.co.uk/pages/flash_questions.html has the questions they will ask to see if you can give blood, plus lots of lovey information on how your blood will help people.