okay ooc ask, but what is the process like for donating blood?? i am eternally spooked by actual medical stuff but would really like to start donating blood.
This became a whole ass educational post. There’s a nonexclusive list of things that do and do not disqualify you below the cut!
I’m so happy to hear you’d like to start donating! Blood donation is something so vital and that most of us will benefit from- 90% of us will require blood or a blood product in our lifetimes, yet only an estimated 3-5% of eligible donors give blood yearly It really is such a beautiful way to help your community! Any new experience, especially medical can be nerve wracking but donating blood shouldn't be too bad! First things first you will have to fill out some paperwork, the usual medical stuff, you will need to know any/all medication you take, they will ask about health conditions, then some extra questions to ensure they actually want your blood. Next you will be taken back to a little room to do some quick checks to ensure they still want your blood, they will take your pulse and blood pressure, temperature, then your blood sugar and hemoglobin with a finger stick. If you pass then congrats you’re eligible to donate blood! You’ll be taken to a bed/chair where they follow a process that feels similar to a regular blood draw with the tourniquet, sterilization, needle insertion, often they will have you squeeze a stress ball to encourage blood flow. They will take a little less than a pint of blood, you have 8-12 pints, this takes about ten minutes. Then the needle is removed you are patched up and sent to sit down and have a snack! Usually there’s cookies, chips, and juice in a little waiting area. Please listen when they tell you to eat your snack before leaving, drink plenty of water, and avoid intense activity for the first day or so after your donation, especially if this is your first time! Some are unbothered, some people can feel lightheaded or fatigued. Then you’re free to go! With registration and wait time and everything, you can estimate to be there 30 minutes to an hour. Here’s some general information on what does or does not disqualify you but it is not a compressive list. Check out American Red Cross or your local health authorities for more information. If you aren’t sure if you qualify call your local blood bank and ask! They may take your blood but they don’t bite!
Until 2023 the American Red Cross following the FDA’s guidelines did not allow men who have (ever) had sex with other men to donate blood. For far too long the research has shown that gay men posed no increased risk of transferring blood borne illness yet we were denied. When I first started donating blood some people would even tell you to lie when asked the question. Thankfully the regulations finally caught up to the evidence!
Common things that DO NOT disqualify you: Pescribed HRT, birth control, most medications (but you will be asked to what you take,) most chronic illnesses, diabetes, gay men!!
Common things that WILL disqualify you: New tattoo or piercing (last three months,) Recent unprescribed IV drug use (last three months,) low blood count/some bleeding conditions, blood borne infections, antibiotics taken for a recent infection.
Might disqualify you, might not: Recent vaccines, some medications/antibiotics, high or low blood pressure (must be within certain range,) heart murmur, certain illnesses.
Again: This is a non-comprehensive list, these are just some of the FAQ items. Go donate blood! You are making an actual tangible life saving difference in the world-And you can donate up to six times a year!
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