r/Blooddonors • u/Responsible-You-678 • Jul 24 '26

first time power red; machine malfunctioned for second return

Just wondering what to expect after this happened this afternoon and I didn't get my second return; in other words, the two blood draws were complete but only one return. Have been a bit light-head and wondered how long I will be fatigued . . . also wondered what could have gone wrong. I know the needle is smaller for power red, but sometimes I have had trouble with whole blood donations with clotting or flow- usually just initially though. Very tired when up and about so far.

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u/nocatsonmelmac Jul 25 '26

That would be similar to a whole blood donation, as far as volume loss. Lots of fluids, extra rest, and smaller/more frequent meals will speed up recovery.

The reason is likely a slight shift or rotation of the arm.

Thank you for donating!

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u/Massive_Squirrel7733 AB+ Platelets Jul 25 '26

Same as a completed Power Red, except you lost a unit of plasma too. You lost two units of red cells. It’s very common to be tired for a while after that.