Giving blood - Think about it!

Hey guys, I gave blood for the first time yesterday and wanted to share my experience and hopefully convince some people to give it a go.

I made the decision to start giving blood after a presentation in college and finding out you only had to be 17 to start giving blood. It was quite simple, i just give my name and address and was then contacted to book an appointment at my local centre which is only about 5 minutes away.

I turned up and tbh i was quite nervous (I've never been a big fan of needles) but the nurses were great and after a few quick questions and some reassurances i was on the bed getting ready to have a needle in my arm! I was surprised at how minimal the pain was, just a tiny pinch for a fraction of a second, and that's the only bit of uncomfort about the process. I then just lay back and relaxed for about 10 minutes while the blood was drained, i actually felt quite chilled! Then a nurse just took the needle out, put a dressing on and that was it, I wasn't lightheaded or dizzy and after a quick drink and a biscuit was ready to go home.

It had no impact on what i could do for the rest of the night and i felt completely normal and will be going back again in august!

I'd definitely recommend it to anyone, i was there for no longer than an hour, and the small second of discomfort is more than worth it for the satisfaction of knowing i could of saved someone's life. If anyone has any questions or concerns i'd be more than happy to answer them!

Sam

Giving blood has always been something I've wanted to do. I went to get it done at the SU, the guy let me put my name in a time slot and I came back at that time. When I came back he said I wasn't allowed cause I'm female, less than 20 years old and under the height and weight restrictions. I wasn't happy that he let me put my name down and I wasted my time when someone else could have had the slot. If he told me the first time I put my name down I would have been fine with it. Gonna have to wait until I'm 20 now


Posted from TSR Mobile

Giving blood has always been something I've wanted to do. I went to get it done at the SU, the guy let me put my name in a time slot and I came back at that time. When I came back he said I wasn't allowed cause I'm female, less than 20 years old and under the height and weight restrictions. I wasn't happy that he let me put my name down and I wasted my time when someone else could have had the slot. If he told me the first time I put my name down I would have been fine with it. Gonna have to wait until I'm 20 now


Posted from TSR Mobile

What an incompetent idiot. In future, don't go to your SU. Go to somewhere public. You have to be 17 to be a donor, whether you're male or female so just disspelling that lie he told you. Also, I wouldn't trust what he says on the height and weight thing seeing as he told you incorrectly about the age limit. Go to blood.co.uk and see where your nearest session is, you can pre book it.

No need to get so worked up There are different limits for girls under 20, so he probably wasn't wrong.

There literally isn't; you just have to be over 17, menstruating regularly and not be under 7st haha

Most people can give blood. If you are generally in good health, age 17 to 65 (if it's your first time) and weigh at least 50kg (7st 12Ib) you can donate. However, If you are female, aged under 20 years old and weigh under 65kg (10st 3lb) and are under 168cm (5' 6") in height, we need to estimate your blood volume before donating.

I know it's stupid, but I'm only worried about the finger pricking that you, apparently, have to do before you give the blood.

It's not painful as such, more of a surprise than anything else. Feels a bit like getting a little electric shock on the tip of your finger.

It's not painful as such, more of a surprise than anything else. Feels a bit like getting a little electric shock on the tip of your finger.

That's quite a good description IT does hurt a bit when they insert the needle in your arm though, and then Im like "Oh this could happily stay here forever"

That doesn't make it sound much better, LOL. I think I will just have to get over it :P



Just like a normal blood test pain I'm guessing... that's why I'm not too worried about that bit

Do you have to have good/thick veins to give blood? Mine are thin! Nurses use regular needles for bloods, but sometimes have to use a butterfly if they're not prominent.

May I ask what the butterfly is?

It's a tiny needle that looks like a butterfly

Come on, do some research before you claim something TWICE.

If you'd googled 'uk blood donation rules' you'd have been able to find:



So girls aged 17-20 weighing 50-65kg may or may not be able to give blood.

I'm already 21 but.. why would my blood volume be acceptable at less than 3500ml when I'm 20, but not when I'm under 20? Can anyone explain? Or am I just missing something?

I know it's stupid, but I'm only worried about the finger pricking that you, apparently, have to do before you give the blood.