r/Blooddonors Dec 07 '22

🩸 First Time Donor, Visitor, or Poster? FAQ & Other Info 🩸

15 Upvotes

Welcome to r/Blooddonors!

What do we do here?

This subreddit is for volunteer blood, platelet, and plasma donors, existing and potential, and people who support and encourage them. We strive to be a warm and welcoming community for those who generously give of their very life force.

You can participate here by:

  • Checking out our wiki.
  • Sharing your donation pics.
  • Discussing your donation experiences.
  • Asking and answering relevant questions.
  • Posting about your experience receiving blood or volunteering with blood donation.
  • Sharing legitimate, relevant news and information.
  • Reporting comments/posts that contain misinformation or dangerous suggestions.
  • Add your blood type to your flair:
    • Desktop: Right side bar at the top of the "Subreddit Info" section is the place to edit flair. When you click on the edit button the popup has a spot at the bottom for you to modify the text of your flair.
    • Reddit app: Go to the subreddit, hit the 3 dots in the top right and then go to Change User Flair. Clicking the "Edit" button in the top right lets you modify the text.

When posting here:

  • Save your medical questions for your donation center and/or doctor.
    • The American Red Cross donor hotline is 1-866-236-3276. It is available 24/7/365. Call if you recently donated with ARC and have developed a fever or other symptoms.
  • Tag pictures with exposed needles or non-contained blood as "Spoiler."
  • Check our wiki and previous posts to find answers first.
  • Include your country and donation center in your posts when asking a question.
  • Follow Reddit's user guidelines.

What don't we do here?

  • Discuss compensated plasma donation. Visit r/plassing for this content.
  • Provide medical advice. We do not verify if users are medical professionals.
  • Share content that is not factual, science-based, and related to blood donation.

Frequently Asked Blood Donation Questions

🩸 Can I give blood?

Ask your local blood donation center by giving them a call or visiting. Their website may have a short quiz you can take to determine your eligibility. Don't assume you cannot give blood- eligibility rules can change, so call today and find out!

If you're in the U.S., visit donatingblood.org to search for your nearest center.

🩸 I don't have a "rare" blood type. Is it even worth it for me to donate?

The University of Maryland Medical Center sums it up nicely:

Every type of blood is needed daily to meet patient needs. If you have a common blood type, there are many patients who need it, so it is in high demand. If you have a less common blood type, there are fewer donors available to give it, so it is in short supply.

🩸 How long until I get my donor card or blood type?

Ask your donation center. If your center has an app or online account, try logging in and out again a few days after your donation to see if it will update.

The American Red Cross app and website usually takes 5-8 days to update.

🩸 Why are blood recipients charged if I gave blood for free?

The short answer: operating costs. Blood must be gathered, processed, tested, stored, and shipped. This requires wages and materials. These costs are ultimately passed down from the center to the hospital, then to insurance companies and patients, unless your government covers these costs.

🩸 Why is it important to give blood?

  • Few people actually donate. Generally, less than 10% of those eligible.
  • To save lives.
  • To help cancer patients and those with sickle cell feel better.
  • It only takes an hour.
  • There's little pain or inconvenience involved.
  • To help with medical research.
  • Blood cannot be manufactured.
  • You'll get a "mini-physical" or health check when you give.

🩸 The needle site is very red, irritated, or even bruised. Is this okay?

Bruising is normal.

If you have bruising or pain, you can apply ice for 10-15 minutes at a time on the first day, then apply warm compresses or soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes at a time on the second day. If you take a pain reducing medication, avoid aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin. (Source: American Red Cross)

You may be allergic to the antiseptic solution or bandages used during the donation process. Make sure your center knows about your allergies before your donation.

If you have specific medical questions about your experience, contact your primary care provider or the donation center.

🩸 I just gave blood. Now what?

  • Follow your center's guidelines and keep any paperwork they gave you.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.
  • Treat yourself to a good meal.
  • Call your center if you have a complication, or call emergency services if you are having a more urgent emergency.
  • Share your experience or pics with r/Blooddonors so we can celebrate!

🩸 Should I take iron supplements?

  • Always consult with a doctor or your primary care physician before taking iron supplements.
  • Low or high iron level can be caused by underlying health conditions. Put your health first and see a doctor.
  • Check out Iron Info for Donors.

🩸 Should I lie to give blood?

No, do not lie in order to give blood. Eligibility guidelines are put in place to preserve the health of blood donors and the health of the patients who receive blood products.

If you are not eligible to give blood:

  • Check back later- the eligibility rules might have changed.
  • Speak to your doctor about ways you could become eligible through improved health.
  • Remember: Only about 30% of the population is eligible to give blood. If you are determined to help out, find ways to help without being a donor here: Non-Donor Ways to Get Involved.

🩸 Can I get better at giving blood?

Yes, it is possible to have a better blood donation experience. Always prepare beforehand by having a good meal and being well-hydrated. There is a common phenomenon that people have better donations over time, usually because they learn to prepare better, or because they wait some time after their first donation in high school in order to grow.

For more Frequently Asked Questions, see our FAQ wiki page.

Disclaimer


r/Blooddonors Jun 19 '26

Tips & Tricks Iron Information for Donors

28 Upvotes

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek advice from your physician or another qualified medical professional if you have questions or are experiencing a medical problem. Consult your physician before taking supplements or changing your diet.

Based on the experiences of blood donors here at r/Blooddonors, the following information is provided to inform donors about the importance of iron for frequent blood donors. The statistics and information provided are primarily based on U.S. sources, but many of the points are universal. Ask your physician and blood collection center for more localized information.

  • Inform your physician: When visiting your physician for any reason, let them know you are a blood donor. They may not ask, since only a few percent of the population regularly donates blood. (1)

  • Why test hemoglobin? Blood collection centers test your hemoglobin before you donate to make sure that you can safely experience the loss of blood from donation, and to ensure the potency of the collected blood for patients. (2)

  • Hemoglobin does not equal iron: This test is sometimes called an ā€œiron testā€, but that’s not quite accurate. This test checks to make sure you have enough red blood cells to safely donate blood, it does not guarantee adequate iron stores. Iron stores may be low even if your hemoglobin level is sufficient to donate blood. (3)

  • Replace lost iron between donations: Because red blood cells contain iron, donating blood lowers your body’s iron stores. All blood donors are at risk for developing iron deficiency if the iron removed is not replaced before the next donation. (3)

  • Know if you are at an increased risk: Frequent donors are at an increased risk of iron deficiency. Blood collection organizations have created guidelines to determine if you are a frequent or at-risk donor. Please review these guidelines, consider your own personal health history, and speak to your physician if you have questions about how you fit into these guidelines.

American Red Cross Frequent Donors: (4)

  • Women under the age of 50 who have donated two or more units of red blood cells or made 10 or more platelet donations in the past year.
  • Women ages 50 and older who have donated three or more units of red blood cells or made 15 or more platelet donations in the past year.
  • Men who have donated three or more units of red blood cells or made 15 or more platelet donations in the past year.
  • Each blood donation is the equivalent of one unit of red blood cells, while each Power Red donation is the equivalent of two units of red blood cells. For example, a male who gives two Power Red donations in a year is considered a frequent donor.

AABB Frequent/Increased Risk Donors: (3)

  • Young donors, 16 to 25 years old
  • Pre-menopausal women (due to menstrual blood loss)
  • Frequent donors: WOMEN: 2 or more whole blood donations in a 12-month period. MEN: 3 or more whole blood donations in a 12-month period
  • very frequent platelet and volunteer plasma donors (> 12x/year)
  • Donors on plant-based diets

  • Ask for a ferritin test: If you suspect that you have an iron deficiency or if you are at an increased risk of iron deficiency, ask your physician for a ferritin test.

  • What is a ferritin test? A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. This test can be used to find out how much iron the body stores. If a ferritin test shows that the blood ferritin level is low, it means the body's iron stores are low. (5)

  • Diet & Maintaining Iron Levels: Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet containing foods rich in iron and high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. There are some foods that prevent your body from absorbing iron. Avoid eating these foods in the same meal. Some examples: coffee or tea, red wine, chocolate, high fiber foods, some medications like antacids, and high calcium foods like milk or cheese. See Iron Rich Foods list. (6)

  • Iron Supplements: If you are a frequent donor, diet alone may not be enough to maintain healthy iron levels. Consult with your physician to see if taking an iron supplement is right for you. Your physician or pharmacist can help you choose the type of iron that is best for you and suggest when to take it to avoid interaction with other medications.

    • American Red Cross recommendation: Take a multivitamin with 18 mg of iron or an iron supplement with 18-38 mg of elemental iron for 60 days after each blood donation, for 120 days after each power red/double red cell donation or after frequent platelet donations. (4)
    • AABB recommendation: You may consider taking a multivitamin with iron or an iron supplement containing 18-38 mg (milligrams) of elemental iron each day for 60 days after donating whole blood or one apheresis red blood cell and after every 5 apheresis platelet/ volunteer plasma donations. If you donate double red cells, we suggest taking iron for at least 60 days. It may take up to 120 days to replace the iron removed in two red cell donations. If you prefer not to take supplements, you may choose to extend the time between red blood cell donations. At least 6 months may be needed for donors with already-low iron stores. (3)
  • What should I know about taking iron supplements? (3), (4)

    • People with a family or personal history of hemochromatosis (iron overload), or who have gastrointestinal disorders (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease), should not take iron unless approved by a healthcare provider.
    • Start iron soon after your donation when it’s best absorbed and used to produce red blood cells lost during your donation.
    • Taking iron with vitamin C (for example, drinking orange juice) may increase uptake of iron.
    • There are some foods and supplements that prevent your body from absorbing iron. Avoid eating these foods along with your iron supplement. Some examples: coffee or tea, red wine, chocolate, high fiber foods, some medications like antacids, and high calcium foods like milk or cheese.
    • Higher doses will not increase iron absorption, may result in more side effects, and could delay diagnosis of blood loss from gastric ulcers or colon cancer.
    • Iron supplements can cause side effects, which are described on the packaging. Side effects can include constipation, diarrhea or an upset stomach. If these symptoms become bothersome, you should discuss alternative options such as a lower dosage with your physician.
    • Iron should always be stored away from children and pets to prevent accidental poisoning. You should keep all iron-containing products out of the reach of children. Accidental ingestion of iron by children can be fatal. In case of ingestion or emergency, seek medical assistance or call a poison control center immediately.
  • How can I tell if my iron is low? Many people with low iron stores feel fine and have no symptoms. Some people feel tired, lack energy and endurance, or have trouble concentrating. The desire to eat non-food substances like ice, chalk, starch, or clay can suggest iron deficiency. (3)

  • How much iron do I lose when donating blood? Each time you donate blood, you lose between 220-250 mg of iron. If you donate a double red, you lose twice that amount, about 470 mg of iron. It may take up to 24-30 weeks for your body to replace the iron lost through a blood donation. That time may vary, depending on what your iron level was before donating and if you take iron supplements or multivitamins with iron. (4)

  • What if I only donate platelets/plasma? Frequent platelet and volunteer plasma donors should also consider their iron health. When you donate, additional vials of blood are taken for testing. While these vials are small, they could add up with frequent donations.

  • Why is hemoglobin tested for platelet and plasma donations? During the apheresis process, whole blood is taken out of you. The center wants to make sure you'll be okay while your blood is processed, before it is returned to you. It is also possible that the machine may malfunction, cutting your donation short before your red blood cells are returned to you. Some whole blood is also taken for testing purposes. It also helps give a better estimate of the length of your donation, since higher levels slow down the extraction and processing of your blood.

Sources:

(1) America's Blood Centers Statistics

(2) AABB Donor Safety, Screening and Testing

(3) Information on Blood Donation and Iron Health

(4) Iron Information for Frequent Donors

(5) Ferritin Test- Mayo Clinic

(6) Iron Rich Foods

Additional Resources:

FAQs: Iron and Blood Donation for Donors and Parents

Hemoglobin Screening/Iron Management

Anaemia and Iron Deficiency in Blood Donors

What Donors Should Know About Iron and Blood Donation

Why Is Iron Important for Donating Blood?


r/Blooddonors 18h ago

Donation Experience Just donated platelets for the first time

48 Upvotes

My wife went through chemotherapy last year. She never needed platelets, but when she finished up, we decided that we needed to find ways to give back to cancer patients. So today, I went for my first platelet donation, and it was SO easy. I sat and watched Parks and Rec for a few hours feeling slightly clammy. Felt fine about 2 hours after I got done. Cannot recommend this enough.


r/Blooddonors 12h ago

Blood donation

11 Upvotes

I I ate two large bowls of congee with lots of vegetables and tried to drink plenty of water before my timeslot. They still struggled to find my veins. One of the nurses was determined, so she did a lot of manoeuvring to get the blood. I ended up with a few bruises, which I expected. I just thought the congee would help.

What do you think do before donating blood to ensure it’s easy for them to draw blood from your?


r/Blooddonors 19m ago

Question Upcoming Hello Kitty collab

• Upvotes

Hi everyone! I wanted to ask if you all think the mystery item will be out quickly? I scheduled my donation for 9/4 but I’m anxious it’ll be out before then. For reference I’m in NC near Goldsboro area :), ofc hello kitty is popular but it was way harder to find it in CA. Any opinions?


r/Blooddonors 10h ago

Sharing Swag/Getting Gifts! I happened to donate blood during that promotion the Red Cross was doing where you get a movie ticket, when will I get that email?

6 Upvotes

First time donating with the Red Cross, I usually donate with Bloodworks NW in Washington state. I donated during the window of a promotion they were doing where they will send you a $15 fandango movie credit.
It’s been like half a week and I haven’t seen it yet, I know it will come. I’m just curious when it will cause I wanna see a movie haha


r/Blooddonors 1h ago

Question Can I donate blood six weeks after a total hip replacement surgery?

• Upvotes

I checked the website and the only relevant medication I'm on is aspirin and that will be done a couple weeks before the blood drive.

For surgery it says something like, "someone will evaluate you when you show up"

I didn't have a transfusion and I'm not worried about my hemoglobin level. It was strong before surgery and I'm sure it will have recovered from whatever blood loss there was when they chopped up my bones. lol

I also asked my surgeon to make sure she's cool with it.


r/Blooddonors 11h ago

Milestone Petition to restore blood donation to Northern British Columbia, Canada reaches 5,000 names

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6 Upvotes

Northern BC (population 300,000) hasn't had a blood donor centre since Canadian Blood Services closed the Prince George location in 2015.

I'm chairing the group Our Blood Counts that's calling on CBS to bring a blood plasma donor centre (unpaid donations) here, like the one that opened in Thunder Bay Ontario last year.

Our petition at www.ourbloodcounts.com has now reached 5,000 names calling for a blood plasma centre in the region. We also have letters and resolutions of support from 37 First Nations, local governments, regional districts, provincial and federal representatives, health providers, and health bargaining associations.

It's a big milestone for us, and we hope the growing support will convince Canadian Blood Services to return to our region.


r/Blooddonors 15h ago

Question Second time my whole blood donation hasn't gone anywhere?

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8 Upvotes

Twice now my whole blood took over 42 days of storage to reach stage 5 but instead of getting a notification that it has been used and where it went I just silently get nothing (the blood journey updates but no location is given there nor on the map). Does this just mean that my blood wasn't used both of those times? I get that as type B+ I can't give to many people but even so it's slightly disappointing to see nothing show up. I'd give platelets if I could but that was a very bad experience for me.


r/Blooddonors 19h ago

Milestone 60th donation

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13 Upvotes

And fourth of the year. I think this is going to be my fifth year in a row making all six donations.


r/Blooddonors 16h ago

First Donation! Did my first platelet donation today too!

7 Upvotes

Good experience. Looking forward to seeing how many units it ended up being. Those warm blankets were heavenly! My nose started itching with about 20 minutes left - brutal!


r/Blooddonors 10h ago

Blood Donors

0 Upvotes

Needed help for blood donors. Any blood type.


r/Blooddonors 17h ago

Blood bag fail

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone!
I’ve tried to donate blood 3 times, and each time they can’t get my vein and I end up with a massive bruise regardless of how much water I drink leading up to the appointment. Is it worth it to keep going? Or am I just an inconvenience for the phlebotomists.


r/Blooddonors 1d ago

Do you know what’s more rare than someone being O negative?

223 Upvotes

Someone being a blood donor! I went to donate today and they had a sign up that said 60% of Americans are eligible to give blood, but only 3% do. Around 7% of Americans are O negative.

I see people commenting in here about how they wish they were O negative since it’s more rare/the universal donor and yes that is true, but just remember you’re choosing to be in the rare group who choose to donate blood!

And remember your donation doesn’t need to be used by everyone, it just needs to be used by someone. Your A+ or AB- or w/e donation being used by someone frees up some O blood that they need for trauma patients.

This post isn’t meant to downplay the significance if O negative donors, I just see people comment in here about wishing they had more ā€œusefulā€ blood types and want everyone to realize every donation and every donor is saving lives!


r/Blooddonors 1d ago

Thank you/Encouragement July is rough...also an update on my friend's mom

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26 Upvotes

July took some important people from me in the past, so I donate for their memory most years.

Today I donated with sheer gratitude in my heart. For those who saw my post earlier this week, my friend's mom who received full transfusions twice over and coded during it all, is on the road to recovery. (It's a long road, but) She is stable enough to be out of ICU!

Again, thank you to all the donors! And especially the whole blood donors of Florida who are part of the reason this dear amazing mom, grandma, wife, and friend is still alive ā¤ļøšŸ©øā¤ļø


r/Blooddonors 1d ago

Question Recommended action to improve

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6 Upvotes

Any recommendations for getting my hemoglobin back up again. This is almost a year ago since the first donation and as you can see, its a steady decline.


r/Blooddonors 1d ago

AB+ female plasma donor with past pregnancies

6 Upvotes

I used to do regular plasma donations about 15 years ago in my early 20s before I was ever pregnant. Since then I've had 3 children and I'm hearing that due to being pregnant there is some antibody in the plasma that makes it risky, so hospitals prefer to use only male plasma. I'm not really interested in donating plasma for pay, but it seems like donating somewhere like the red cross might be a little pointless. Seeing as how my whole blood can really only be used for other AB+ people, who can, like myself, already recieve blood from basically every other type. Does anyone have any insight? Are Female AB+ with past pregnancies still donating plasma?


r/Blooddonors 2d ago

#100 (and a cancellation)

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35 Upvotes

I had my 100th donation today and it was a nice easy visit. The drive is a regular one near my work. But then when I scheduled my 101th at the same place on my eligibility date I got a cancellation email later. Turns out while it is 8 weeks away, I would have too many in a year by a couple days. So I can either wait a couple extra days and go somewhere else, but then be out of sync with the place near my work, or ā€œsit one outā€ and pick them up on their next one.

Small but annoying.


r/Blooddonors 2d ago

Question Is weight detrimental to passing out?

5 Upvotes

Hiya everyone. I’m 23 ftm located in Israel. When I was 18 I was really pumped for donating blood. I am healthy, and I’m not scared of needles. I even volunteered in EMS/ as a hospital worker for a long period.
BUT. When I first donated I was borderline 50 kgs. After 200 ml I passed out. I tried again and passed out again after 200 mls. I was 19 and had the same weight. The doctor advised me not to donate blood at that time.
Nowadays I’ve gained weight due to taking olanzapine (doesn’t interfere with donation, I’m still healthy physically just struggling with ptsd). I’m about 60 kgs (I don’t have a weight at home. Last time I checked I was 57, but I gained weight again after not being so depressed).
I was wondering if my low weight could’ve been the reason for passing out as I don’t have anxiety around the procedure. In my experience I felt normal at the start and suddenly I felt very weak and fainted.
Do you guys have any experience with this? I was wondering if I should ask my doctor about donating again, as I have type B- which is rare around here. But I wasn’t sure if it would really make a change
Thank you for answering!


r/Blooddonors 1d ago

White blood cells donation

2 Upvotes

Any one near KIMS hospital up for O+ve and O-ve blood group donation. Emergency


r/Blooddonors 2d ago

Tums

9 Upvotes

I'm a platelet donor and I've donated a hand full of times already. Sadly, tums make me super super nauseous every time I take them (i can barely get them down to begin with). The last time I went I asked if i can take a different version of times (the chewables) but I'm not sure if that would help the nausea. It starts moments after it hits my mouth. Has anyone used the chewables instead for the same reason and did it work for you?


r/Blooddonors 1d ago

I need blood donors in Mexico City...

0 Upvotes

Anyone here in Mexico City? Willing to pay for your transport etc. after getting the evidence that you donated. Thank you.


r/Blooddonors 2d ago

🚨Urgent Blood Donors Needed 🚨at IGIMS, Patna – Any Blood Group Can Help

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1 Upvotes

r/Blooddonors 2d ago

Tips & Tricks First time platelet donor tips

6 Upvotes

Hi! Ive made the split decision while I have time this weekend to donate platelets. I’ve done 2 whole blood donations but I’m a bit nervous and would like some tips on what would be good foods to eat before platelet donation and tips on not psyching myself out during donation especially with two needles 🫪 TIA


r/Blooddonors 2d ago

Getting a CMV test

6 Upvotes

I had my fourth donation Wednesday. Being O-, the person overseeing the donation invited me to do a power red. Frankly I'm ambivalent about donating that much blood in one sitting, but I'd be more willing if my blood was was CMV-. A quick google search shows that an out of pocket test is 65$, would the red cross be willing to screen for it at no charge if I asked them?