[Drayshak]

Hello all

I tried to give blood today, went through all the process (pleased to find I'm not at all anaemic as I'm vegetarian) and sat on the bed. Two assistant nurses and the registered nurse tried to find a vein on both arms and there just weren't any coming up at all

I'm determined to do it in around a months time when they come to our local leisure centre, are there any tips or preparations I could do, or am I just not destined to give blood?

[mollymustard]

I'm quite suprised, I've never really heard of this happening before.
Did they give you any more information about it?

[WolfSong2000]

Drink plenty of water beforehand...if you're even slightly dehydrated it makes it harder to find a vein, especially if they're tricky little buggers anyhow

[Drayshak]

Originally Posted by mollymustard

I'm quite suprised, I've never really heard of this happening before.
Did they give you any more information about it?

No, the registered nurse said she hadn't come across it before (which seemed weird). She just said to try again next time, but I didn't think of getting their advice.

[whitepearlbaby]

Ha, they didn't find mine either first, I just made a fist and opened my hand all the time and eventually they would find one.

Some people are terrible for veins though - my mum for example, if she needs an injection or so they always have to get someone very experienced to find at least a little vein!

[Kimboshorne]

Water Water Water

[gillipies]

I've had quite a few blood tests and after they had problems once trying to find a vein they said to make sure beforehand that I'd had plenty of water to drink and make sure you've eaten (although not very sugary food/drink - my mum had a can of coke before a blood test once and they were trying to treat her for diabetes for months afterwards, all because of a drink of coke!)

[LB91]

I've had a similar issue to you, it took them about 20 minutes to find a vein in my arm which involved a lot of prodding and poking and when they finally got one then needle wouldn't stay in the vein or in my arm so they had to give up.
Despite all the problems though, they still want me to go back, and I'm going at the end of February.
As for doing something specific to increase you're chances of being able to donate, I'm not sure there is anything in particular although I have heard that drinking plenty of fluids is good. I'd definitely go back and try again though, you'll never know otherwise.

[Drayshak]

Thanks for all the quick tips so far! This makes me think they should tell us these things before getting us to donate - all we got was a quick explanation of how the blood would be used and why it is needed.

[JocastaJackal]

Originally Posted by Drayshak

Hello all

I tried to give blood today, went through all the process (pleased to find I'm not at all anaemic as I'm vegetarian) and sat on the bed. Two assistant nurses and the registered nurse tried to find a vein on both arms and there just weren't any coming up at all

I'm determined to do it in around a months time when they come to our local leisure centre, are there any tips or preparations I could do, or am I just not destined to give blood?

I had this problem. They managed to get one vein after 30 minutes, and I passed out after giving a pint so it wasn't usable for donation. Then I came up false positive for HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphillis. Now THAT is not being destined to give blood.

[sweetlovinchick2k1]

I want to give blood but can't because I'm on antibiotics full time

As others have said you need to drink plenty of water and try to relax. I was once told that if you are not relaxed it's harder to find the veins.

[England Captain]

Maybe you are undead.

[whitepearlbaby]

I'm going tomorrowwwwwww D

[Ellsbells3032]

I have the same problem. They can't even do a blood test in my left arm cos my veins are so thin. My right arm the only one who can find it is the head nurse and she takes about ten minutes.

Not much you can do, drink some water and have alot of patience and make sure you get the most experienced person doing it

[Drayshak]

Originally Posted by England Captain

Maybe you are undead.

This could be true. Maybe I'm just attracted to the blood-givers and their rich veins, and I'm actually a secret vampire and I don't know it yet.

[Natassia]

Like others have said drink plenty... have something to eat... and don't be cold because sometimes that makes veins contract, get smaller, so that they can keep the warmth in a bit. So by being warm they will dilate and voila. ALhtough some people generally just have small veins and they are a pain, because no matter what you do they wont get any bigger.

[xTazx]

Hey, at least you won't get addicted to intravenously injected heroin

[ToryGirl]

Make them do it from your feet! It works! Its possibly not ideal but if you're determined to do it... why not?!

[cheeseinthedraw]

how much do you weigh??

my friend has trouble finding veins because she is a little "chunky" around her arms

[Drayshak]

Haha not skinny but not overweight. I play a lot of tennis/badminton so 'chubby' arms aren't an issue :P