The Blood Donation process
Persons are advised to eat at least 1 ½ -2 hours before they donate (eating before donation is optional). Donors are advised to drink 8 ozs of water just before the process starts.
On the day you will be donating blood, the following will take place:
Step 1: Registration of donor
Step 2: You will have a mini-health check to know if you meet the criteria. Your body weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and HB (Iron) level will be checked. (2-3 minutes)
Step 3: If you are not deferred in step 2, you will be interviewed to further determine if your health status and sexual activities permit you to be a donor. This session is very private and confidential where YOU will be asked questions about sexual contact. (10-12 minutes)
Step 4: If you meet the criteria in step 3, ONLY then will you be able to donate blood. The actual blood donation will take about 5-8 minutes or less.
Step 5: You will be asked to relax for a further 3-5 minutes and will be given refreshment.
Note: After Donating blood, persons are advised to avoid heavy, muscular or strenuous activities and drink lots of non alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day.