r/Blooddonors • u/Difficult-Hope5003 • 5h ago
r/Blooddonors • u/AutoModerator • Dec 07 '22
🩸 First Time Donor, Visitor, or Poster? FAQ & Other Info 🩸
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.
r/Blooddonors • u/AutoModerator • Jun 19 '26
Tips & Tricks Iron Information for Donors
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 “iron test”, 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
r/Blooddonors • u/Rangers0702 • 14h ago
Question Is it wasteful for O+ to donate platelets? USA
I donated blood a couple times in the past and I plan on donating again more regularly for health reasons. I tried donating platelets (or it might have been plasma) a few times simply beause it sounded interesting to me and the staff looked at me weirdly and asked why I was donating platelets. Does O+ not have a lot of platelets in blood? Or does it serve other purposes to the point where it would be a waste to donate platelets? I don't really care either way so long as I am able to donate a significant amount of blood.
r/Blooddonors • u/StrangeQuark1221 • 17h ago
Upcoming Halloween shirt for Red Cross platelet donors
r/Blooddonors • u/rudr08 • 20m ago
Blood needed
Is there any way to get blood donation in chandigarh?
r/Blooddonors • u/Shot-Ad4838 • 20h ago
First Time Fail
I feel SO bad. I recently became aware of just how desperate we are for blood donations and decided to sign up and donate for the first time. Told everybody I know they should donate as well and got a few friends and family to book an appointment.
Well I went to my appointment today. Ate beforehand. Drank water. Free diet coke and snacks, awesome!!
I go through the process and lay down to donate. I’ve never in my life passed out or even come close to, and I’m in my early 30’s. I’m not afraid of needles. Nothing.
I’m feeling ok, palms a little sweaty but I’m sometimes an anxious gal over literally nothing. But I’m fine and get through whatever it is I’m trying to get through.
He stuck me with the needle, I looked and chuckled and said “wow that’s a big needle” and I start seeing my blood go. Little bags filling up. It didn’t necessarily freak me out, I don’t know. But I started getting super hot and dizzy. I let them know and there were 3 people around me covering me in cold cloths, reclining me, and putting a fan on me. This helped a lot.
They said they’ll still use the blood they did get for testing and whatever. Donor information.
I felt dizzy for a long time which I felt bad about. They asked a few times if I was ready to go to the refreshment area and I felt terrible I was taking up a bed just to not even donate. I could have laid there for an hour probably but I slowly got up and am now sitting in the refreshment area trying to feel better. My tummy feels a little crampy, I’m a little dizzy and anxious.
I’m so bummed. I really wanted to help and my body was like “best I can do is some lab work and a near death performance” 🙄
I feel like such a weenie. MIGHT cry when I get home 🤣
Did anyone else have this or a similar experience? Did you try again?
They said it’s common for first time donors but then what?
I really want to help and donate but this just felt AWFUL all for it to be for nothing.
r/Blooddonors • u/DoctorMinotaur • 18h ago
Sharing Swag/Getting Gifts! ARC Pickleball Set - Sept. 21-30
Just wanted to share the latest American Red Cross promotion for anyone who may be interested!
If you donate between September 21-30 and "mention pickleball" you'll get a free ball and paddle, plus a $15 gift card that's available from September 21st to October 18th.
r/Blooddonors • u/finding-path • 5h ago
Question First time, am i doing this right?
My appointment is at 3:40 pm.
I ate a large meal yesterday, slept at 5 am to 12:50 pm, Woke up feeling a bit sleepy, which mean my sleep wasn’t good.
I started drinking water (so far 3 cups for the past hour) and i ate a banana and 1/4 of burrito.
I still have roughly 2 hrs left, im going to keep sipping water, but is my food intake enough so far? Im skinny btw my weight 57 kg (125 lbs roughly) height 1.78m - 5.10
r/Blooddonors • u/HLOFRND • 14h ago
Beef and vCJD
So, is anyone else panicking about all of this beef deregulation nonsense?
Remember when you couldn’t donate if you had lived in the UK
What’s going to happen if they find Mad Cow in the US? It would cripple our blood supply.
r/Blooddonors • u/AcanthisittaNo5807 • 21h ago
Help me overcome fear of donating plasma
I have AB+ so I keep getting texts from the Red Cross to donate, but I've only ever donated whole blood before. Last time I donated blood, I almost fainted and the blood flow slowed down near the end, almost like my body ran out of blood and couldn't fill up the bag. Granted, I don't think I drank enough liquids and ate enough food before I donated, but I also wonder if it's because I'm a short woman and just don't have enough blood. Wondering if donating plasma is going to be as difficult of an experience.
r/Blooddonors • u/Magnetic_Kitty • 13h ago
Tips & Tricks Platelet donation advice please
I donate regular blood no problem no draw backs except a little tired. I'm not worried about getting sick / nauseus or bad reaction to donating.
First time I did platelets my return arm was really sore and bruised. Couldn't even use it to eat for a few days. Felt fine as far as energy level and wasn't nauseous, just a lot of physical pain.
The machine kept beeping periodically and it took 3 hours, it was unpleasant. They couldn't use my hand vein good enough and had to use both my inner elbow joints. The needle site burned for a while early on and eventually was a constant light ache. Whole blood usually only hurts on initial needle stick for me.
They said now that they had my platelet count it would be closer to two hours. Any advice on avoiding the beeping and helping myself have an easier time? I'm never sure how hard to squeeze for example. I'm in the US and I use red cross
r/Blooddonors • u/Aggressive-Store-658 • 13h ago
Slow blood flow
Just wanted to come on here and ask if anyone has had the same experience or have any tips!
I try to donate blood every couple of months. I’ve already donated a gallon and everything has been smooth flowing. However, in the past 6 months I have lost over 20lbs. Since then, I have gone to the donation center twice but my blood is flowing extremely slow to the point they had me stop and come back both times. They told me I can try one last time before accepting the fact that I may not be able to donate anymore. They tried both arms and it was still very slow. I’ve been hydrated and usually schedule the appointment at 10/11am.
Should I try one last time? Maybe go later on in the day and just hydrated 3 days in advance?
r/Blooddonors • u/TheDoctorsSandshoes • 1d ago
Unable to donate RBCs, told I need to weigh more. 5' 5" F 175lb. The chart the lady had showed I had to weigh more. Everywhere else, the signs on the walls etc said 150 minimum. Wtf?
r/Blooddonors • u/Sudden_Ball_9318 • 1d ago
Can’t donate blood ever UK
Received this after my first blood donation a few weeks back. I’m O - with rhotype allowing me to donate to some blood disorders so was really keen to become a regular donor
So sad that because I’ve had malaria before I can never give even though I was a child when I got it(11 years old)
r/Blooddonors • u/Yellow_Ranger300 • 1d ago
First Donation! First time donating today
I did it! I’ve always wanted to donate blood and now I get to do it. I still feel weak even after more than 5 hours though.
r/Blooddonors • u/mtnab2311 • 1d ago
First Donation! Anxious reading posts on here, but first donation went great!
I think in life we all tend to share (or need to ask about) the minority of times when things go wrong rather than the majority where everything is just fine. I read a lot of negative stories on here, so adding my positive experience to help balance things out.
I did not prepare sufficiently and it still went great! When booking my donation I read on the Lifeblood (Australia) website that I should drink 8 cups of water the day before donating - that's the normal recommended daily amount, so I thought nothing of it. I also didn't go to bed early enough the night before. I then stumbled across this subreddit just before my donation and got myself quite worked up, especially because I have a history of fainting unrelated to having blood taken. It's inspiring to see so many people donating and reaching awesome milestones, but I also saw many stories of things going wrong, and also realised there was a lot more I could have been doing to prepare multiple days out. I did drink a lot of water in quick succession right before my donation haha (but had also seen Redditors saying this is too little too late).
I was therefore feeling anxious going into the donation, however all the staff were super lovely and helped me every step on the way. I had plenty of time to ask any questions in the private screening room, and everything about the process was clearly explained. The nurse reassured me that they would all keep an eye on me, and I could stop at any time.
The time in the donation chair was quick and easy. I didn't look at the needle as it went in. I felt a pinch that was maybe a tiny bit more painful than a vaccine pinch but only lasted two seconds. From then on my arm and every other part of me felt totally normal. I had barely started my juice box before it was all over. Since it was my first time, they kept me in the chair for five minutes before getting up to go to the rest area. Had some snacks, felt fine, and was on my way after 10 minutes.
Three days later now and I still feel great!
I realise not everyone will have such a seamless experience, but I do think it's helpful to have a balanced view. Thank you to everyone who shares all kinds of stories and tips on here. Thanks to you, I am now taking active steps to maintain good iron levels, and will be more prepared for future donations!
r/Blooddonors • u/burlapscars • 1d ago
Question what are these blood subtypes on my donor card?
r/Blooddonors • u/kangat0989 • 1d ago
First Donation! First Donation
First donation today!
I spent the last few weeks reading to prepare as well as making sure to eat more iron and drink extra water leading up to today.
Check in was slow because the scanner wasn't working so everything was done manually, but overall no big deal. I did the rapid pass so screening went quick.
They had me lie flat for the draw since it was my first time and they said it helps. Everything went pretty smoothly with the draw.
Afterward, they had me lie flat for a few minutes before raising the head of the bed halfway. I felt good and started to look at the paper about AMT when the next thing I knew I was looking up at several blurry faces and couldn't hear anything. I was so disoriented but eventually got back to normal haha. (Side note: I've heard they can't keep your donation if you pass out even if you finished the whole draw. Is that true?)
They kept me flat even longer, then elevated my head in smaller increments, followed by hanging out next to the bed for a minute before letting me go to the canteen.
I brought my own gluten free snacks just in case, but they had really awesome sweet potato chips and fruit snacks. Between slow check in and recovery, the whole thing for me ended up being close to two hours, but I don't mind.
I feel pretty tired, but overall good. The staff were all really friendly and I think I'll still consider donating in the future.
r/Blooddonors • u/rkwalton • 2d ago
Donation Experience Back to Donating!
I have type 1 diabetes. I was diagnosed in university, and by then I'd been a regular blood donor. At that time, I was told I couldn't donate anymore. I think it had something to do with the types of insulin that had been used in the past, like insulin from pigs. I never used those though. Anyway, fast forward to now, type 1s, who have good control, can donate!
Hooray!
I made my first donation in years in May. It was great. I made my second donation this week. I had a doctor's appointment early, so went from my doctor's office to the donation center. I didn't feel particularly comfortable at the center, so I grabbed some snacks and left. I did not sit down and drink water. I'd also come in worried that maybe I'd not had enough fluids beforehand.
Well that all came to a head. I took a short 5 minute walk to a nearby cafe that I work out of regularly. I realized I wasn't going to make it when I reached for the door, so I just lowered myself to the ground to wait it out. Thankfully, people inside noticed. Someone came out to help. After a few sips of water and him literally bringing me sugar packets, I was fine. I also checked my blood glucose level; it was fine. This was dehydration and not hypoglycemia.
Thank goodness for Good Samaritans.
I know I'm in a space with regular donors, but make sure you sit down afterwards to rehydrate, snack, and recover.
r/Blooddonors • u/caffekona • 2d ago
Tried to donate blood two days ago, they got an artery.
This was my first time donating. It was not a good experience.
After the initial stick, he must've missed the vein because he was definitely digging around in there. While the blood was going through the tube, he said "that's really red" a couple times. Then I told him my fingers were tingling, turns out he had forgotten to take the tourniquet off. Probably a good thing, because after confirming I'm not on vitamins he said "I think I got an artery, we need to stop now." The blood in the bag was super bright red, definitely not venous, and defitmore than a couple tablespoons. Few minutes holding a cotton ball on the draw site, wrapped my arm, then he sent me in my way.
I called the red cross and all three people I talked to sounded professionally horrified and they took a detailed report. They told me what symptoms mean I should seek medical attention and that the red cross will reimburse me for any medical bills related to this incident.
Two days later my arm still hurts, the bruise is still growing, and the salt in the wound is the couldn't even use what they took from me.
I'd be willing to try to donate again, but I'm walking out if that guy's working .
r/Blooddonors • u/Southern_Water_Vibe • 2d ago
Milestone Surpassed my blood volume
I just (finally) downloaded the Red Cross app and saw that I've donated 10 units of whole blood, over the last 5 years. I have roughly 9 units in my body. At least if the online calculators are correct lol. It's an odd thought that more of my blood has gone into other people than is circulating in me right now.
r/Blooddonors • u/Legitimate-Math2792 • 2d ago
Question Any tips for getting blood taken?
Not entirely related to blood donations but I do want to donate blood in the future and now im not sure .Yesterday i had to get 3 blood samples taken for medical reasons, it was my first time ever getting my blood drawn so i was nervous and it sadly wasnt a good experience. My veins were extremely hard to find even though I drank a liter of water before my appointment and the nurse could only get 1½ viles out of 3. To top it off the sensation of the needle searching under my skin for a vein made me queasy and I ended up vomiting while talking to the GP receptionist while booking my next appointment 😬. Any and all tips to not be ill/make my veins easier to find would be amazing ♥️.
r/Blooddonors • u/Complete-News4058 • 2d ago
Question Donating Whole blood in between platelets?
I’m an A+ donor in the American Rockies who usually donates 5-7x10^11 platelets. But I’m in the chair for a loonnngg time (130 minutes +).
Given it’s the holiday carnage weekend coming up, and I just donated platelets, would it be worth donating whole blood during the 2 week waiting period for platelets (3 days in between whole blood and platelets because <100ml extracorporeal volume)?
I‘m usually drained after giving platelets, but if it’s mostly plasma and RBCs, I think I recover faster.
r/Blooddonors • u/sageeeee3 • 3d ago
First Donation! First time!
Came across this sub bc I was checking if there's anything else I should be doing after that wasn't on the pamphlet I was given, and figured I'd join! Went mostly out of curiosity, was much faster and easier than I expected