Donating Blood

[Jeid]

Hi all, I dunno how many of you know, but you can donate blood in Skinandi's(Thurso) today at 2-4pm and then 5-8pm(I'm not sure about the 5pm part... but it's definately on until 8pm)

I've never given blood, I've always wanted to as I always feel I should. I've never been able to in the past due to various piercings etc.

I just wanted to ask if there was anything I shouldn't do before giving blood... ie, get drunk, take drugs(prescribed or otherwise) etc

I'm in a rush for answers as I'm going to work in a while... thank you

[mccaugm]

Have something to eat and drink before you go as if your "levels" are low they won't be able to take your blood. You will also be given something to eat and drink after your donation for the same reasons. Its a dawdle giving blood I did it for years. Sadly I now have anemia and am unable to give now. Trying to persuade my hubby to go...but hes reluctant.

[Murdina Bug]

They will ask you if are generally well and taking any prescribed medication. If you are taking anything prescribed it is worth asking to check with someone as soon as you go in otherwise you could be in for a long wait before finding out you can't give. However - you should not have taken paracetamol in the last 24 hrs or aspirin in the last 7 days (as it thins the blood). These are the most common ones to catch people out.

[Bill Fernie]

See als0 the Blood Transfusion web site at http://www.scotblood.co.uk/

[MGB1979]

I'd love to give blood but for as long as I can remember any medical procedures I've had have been spectacularly bungled. Giving blood quite literally puts the fear of death in me.

[henry20]

I am terrified at getting injections/blood taken, but I would dearly love to be able to give blood.

5 years ago, I had to have a blood transfusion which now means I am unable to donate. It was only then that I realised how important it is to give blood. Without the generosity of others, I wouldn't be alive today.

I urge everyone to give blood and reflect on the fact that they are saving someones life

[BMcGillivray]

They will ask you if are generally well and taking any prescribed medication. If you are taking anything prescribed it is worth asking to check with someone as soon as you go in otherwise you could be in for a long wait before finding out you can't give. However - you should not have taken paracetamol in the last 24 hrs or aspirin in the last 7 days (as it thins the blood). These are the most common ones to catch people out.

ack... i was wanting to go give blood tonight, but i took some paracetamol for toothache this morning... does that mean ill have to wait till next time?

[dirdyweeker]

ack... i was wanting to go give blood tonight, but i took some paracetamol for toothache this morning... does that mean ill have to wait till next time?

no. you can give blood. Paracetamol will not affect your donation

[Murdina Bug]

Ok, I could be wrong about the paracetamol - but I am sure that I was stopped one time before because I had some soon before donating. I can't see anything on the website about specific medicines. Maybe someone who is going today can find out and post it here later!