Question 1

are there any down side to giving blood?

Accepted Answer

Transient fatigue: Transient fatigue, tenderness or bruising at the needle puncture site--generally none that are significant or long lasting.

Question 2

are hematomas common after giving blood?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes.: I give blood 3-4 times a year and will get a quarter to half dollar sized bruise once a year. Why? Shifting in the needle or a tricky stick can do it. Post procedure elevation and pressure will decrease the possibility. If you are easily bruised on your body, bleeding gums or blood in your urine or stool ... See your doctor. The fact that you can give blood is a good indicator that all is well.

Question 3

does giving blood make you anemic?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes!: When you request to donate your  blood, blood bank services first checks your blood count to make sure you are not anemic. Donating blood will cause your blood count to drop but if you are healthy you should not technically become "anemic." i.E below normal threshold.  If you donate your blood very often, you may become anemic or iron deficient, and they may not let you donate for a while!

Question 4

could you get hiv from giving blood?

Accepted Answer

No: Assuming proper technique is followed, there is no risk of getting HIV from blood donation.

Question 5

is it okay to take a iron pill befor giving a blood donation?

Accepted Answer

It's OK, but...: ...why are you taking iron? If it's because you have been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia (or probably any kind of anemia), you may not be suitable as a blood donor. Ask the blood bank. In any case, taking iron soon before donating won't have any effect on donation safety or use of your blood. Thanks for considering being a donor:  you're doing a good thing.

Question 6

what are things that cause poor blood flow when giving blood?

Accepted Answer

A few: Sometimes being cold or dehydrated can do this.

Question 7

should i worry about discoloration in my arm after giving blood?

Accepted Answer

Bruise: If not painful or rapidly expanding a post phlebotomy bruise is harmless. If it is problematic have the facility that pork your blood look at it.

Question 8

my arm swelled while giving blood and i have to stop. why did this happen?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding or clot: There are 2 possible answers.  If blood leaked out from the site of the needle stick, a hematoma (extravasated blood) could collect and cause are swelling.  If the swelling occurred later, the more likely cause is phlebitis, a blood clot in the vein caused by damage to the vein from the needle. Either problem, occurring in the arm, should not cause any long term problems.

Question 9

how long am i suppose to wait to exercise after giving an apheresis blood donation?

Accepted Answer

Usually next day OK: The phlebotomist / nurse will instruct you as you are being bandaged at the end of the process to avoid tobacco for a few hours, alcohol for the day, heavy lifting (--or strenuous activity--) for 8 hours or until the next day, etc. If you will be using your arms a lot, might be wise to put a bandaid over puncture site, but should be ok by next day.

Question 10

how long should i wait until i can be active (playing  basketball for a few hours) after giving blood for a physical?

Accepted Answer

Not long.: If you gave blood- had a pint of blood removed-- you should be careful as you may feel lightheaded.

But if had your blood drawn- ie. The lab took a few small vials of blood to check blood sugar, etc-- this shouldn't be enough to make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

As long as the bleeding has stopped from where they drew the blood, you are good to go.  Enjoy the weather this weekend!

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Doctor answers about:

Lump after giving blood

A member asked:

Are there any down side to giving blood?

A member asked:

Are hematomas common after giving blood?

A member asked:

Does giving blood make you anemic?

A member asked:

Could you get hiv from giving blood?

A member asked:

Is it okay to take a iron pill befor giving a blood donation?

A member asked:

What are things that cause poor blood flow when giving blood?

A member asked:

Should i worry about discoloration in my arm after giving blood?

A member asked:

My arm swelled while giving blood and i have to stop. why did this happen?

A member asked:

How long am i suppose to wait to exercise after giving an apheresis blood donation?

A member asked:

How long should i wait until i can be active (playing basketball for a few hours) after giving blood for a physical?

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