Question

What precautions should be taken after blood donation?

Answer 1

Hint: Blood donation is definitely a noble thing to do, but any blood donor needs to follow certain precautions as even though this is a regulated process, it still involves a considerable amount of blood loss.

Complete Answer:
- Blood donation is of several types. Most people are familiar with whole blood donation where blood is collected in containers that have anticoagulants to preserve the blood till the time it is needed.
- However, other kinds include separation of one or many factors from the blood. In platelet donation the platelets are separated from the blood, and the RBCs and plasma are slowly returned to the donor. With plasma donation the plasma is separated from the donated blood and the red blood cells are carefully returned to the donor.
- Medical staff have to follow stringent procedures during blood donation. Fresh needles and tubes, and means of sterilising the donor where the needle will be inserted, Donors should also avoid any fatty foods before donation.
- Immediately after the process you could have a light snack and drink some fluids. DO not do any exercise or lift anything heavy for around five hours after donating. It is also important to keep the bandage on for a while. Your fluid intake for the next couple of days should also be greater than normal. And in case you feel a bit dizzy or lightheaded, relax with your feet up and call the doctor if the feeling doesn’t go away.

Note: Remember that along with precautions after, you should not donate blood unless you are in good health and above a certain weight. Blood donation is also generally not taken from minors.