What does it take to be a successful blood donors?
Every year, 40% of the sign ups were turned down because potential donors were not aware of these things below. So, do make sure that you take note of the pointers below to avoid disappointment :)
1. Consent formMake sure you have asked permission from your parents to donate blood. If you happened to be below 18 years of age as of date of donation, do download, complete & bring the form during our donation drive.
4. Always remain calmWe are sure that you might be nervous or scared. But rest assure, during the process of donating blood, the nurse would be applying pain killer. This will feel like a prick on your finger or simply like a light pinch 😄 So just enjoy & relax during our Blood Donation Drive!
|
2. Iron level in bloodIron level in your blood plays a crucial part when you want to donate blood. You need minimum 12.5 g/dl. One of the many alternatives to increase the iron level would be by trying out our tasty recipe below!
5. Be punctualLastly, avoid visiting during peak hours & be an early bird so that the wait at the queues will be short 😄
|
3. VeinsSmall veins could result in your application being turned away. Some of the ways you can consider in trying to enlarge it while waiting for our actual drive would be by keeping yourself hydrated & do exercises like stretching. If you happen to have a stress ball at home, you can use it too!
|
Before Donating 💉
1. Eat a well-balanced meal, and something that is high in iron - chickpeas, beans & spinach. Drink enough water within 24 hours before your donation.
2. Have enough rest the night before your donation and on the actual day itself.
2. Have enough rest the night before your donation and on the actual day itself.
Procedures of blood donation 💉
Station 1 : Vein Check / Registration
For 1st time donor, head to the vein check station first. In any case if your vein is not suitable for blood letting, you will be asked to leave. Even if you are rejected, be sure to mark your attendance so that we know that you took the effort to come for our drive :)
If you are a repeat donor, head straight to the registration counter to register yourself. If you have already registered yourself as a priority donor, be sure to sign your name on the priority donor list so that you would be able to receive our red priority donor card so you would be given priority at the other stations.
Station 2 : Form Filling / Height & Weight Check
At this station, you are required to fill up the HSA form & questionnaires. As one of the question would require your height & weight, head over to our Height & Weight machine on the left side of the station. Be reminded to bring along your admin card as you are required to tap your admin card in order for the machine to capture your data :) However, if you not have one, fret not as we have our CSC volunteers to assist you!😄
Station 3 : HSA Registration
Be sure to bring along your NRIC and Parental Consent Form if you are below 18 years old. If you have your own Blood Donation Card, do bring along too 😄
Station 4 : Doctor's Consultation
A doctor will go through questionnaire that you have completed during the form filling in Station 2 with you & will measure your pulse, blood pressure and temperature to confirm if you are fit for donation.
Station 5 : Blood Test / Hemoglobin Check
It is to make sure that your blood or the hemoglobin in your blood will be suitable to ensure that you can donate your blood. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in red blood cells. It carries oxygen around the body. The minimum level required is 12.5 g/dl. So, we would recommend you to try out our delicious yet nutritional recipe that could help increase your iron level at the 'Delicious Recipe' tab :)
Station 6 : Blood Letting
You will be attended to a professional nurse & they will make sure you feel comfortable throughout the whole process. We are sure that you might be afraid about the pain. Rest assured as the nurse would be applying a local painkiller to ensure that you feel minimal pain during the donation process. The actual withdrawal of blood would probably take about 5 to 10 minutes and approximately 350-450 ml of blood would be collected. During the process, you will also be given a blanket in case you need one. You can also listen or watch videos on your phone to keep you occupied. Therefore, you are allowed to bring along your headphones!
Last Station : Refreshments!
Light refreshments will be provided while you rest for 10-15 minutes after you have donated your blood. This is to ensure that you feel well before leaving the venue. As we care for our donors, we make it compulsory for you to rest & have some titbits or drink before you leave the auditorium 😄 However, it does not stop there! You will also receive a certificate of appreciation as well as limited edition Squeeze Ball which is really adorable, given by the Red Cross!
So don't miss the chance! Sign up now & be a hero! 💪
After Donating 💉
1. Refrain from any sports activities or any heavy lifting for next 24 hrs.
2. Keep yourself hydrated & eat nutritious food to replenish the iron stocks in your body!
1. Refrain from any sports activities or any heavy lifting for next 24 hrs.
2. Keep yourself hydrated & eat nutritious food to replenish the iron stocks in your body!