Blood Donation Aftercare
If you’re someone who just donated blood or might be thinking about donating blood fairly soon, you’ve come to the right place. While donating blood is an easy and generous thing to do, it can take a toll on your body and requires expert Mobile Blood Draw Services MD. It’s vital to remember that you can’t give more than one pint of blood in eight weeks. At Phlebotomy On Wheels, we prioritize your well-being, so here are a few pointers on caring for yourself after donating blood.
01. Look Out for Post-Donation Symptoms
Everyone is different and may experience different post-donation symptoms. It’s important to know the signs of early fatigue like dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, dehydration, numbness in the arm, or low blood pressure. This feeling is, however, temporary and passes quickly. Generally when you’re done donating, your body will naturally replenish what was lost. It takes about seven days for your blood to cycle back through your body.
However, it is very common to feel faint, hot, and sweaty after donating blood. This is a bodily reaction to blood loss and is not a cause for concern. If it persists for more than three hours after donating blood, it’s best to tell your practitioner.
Read “post-donation advice to blood donors” from the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The American Red Cross also provides you with educational information about what to do before, during, and after your blood donation to ensure a safe donation experience.
02. Keep Wearing the Donor Bandage
Donor bandages are specially designed for donors who’ve just given blood to help protect their skin from bruising, friction and rubbing. It is placed on your arm to help stop the flow of blood. Keep it on for at least 4 hours, or as long as your health care provider advises.
You will often be given an aftercare kit to help with any post-donation side effects. This kit includes a blood pressure monitor, ice compresses, and a soft gauze bandage, all packaged within a zippered case.
03. Drink Plenty of Fluids
The best treatment for feeling faint (dizzy, sweaty, light-headed, nauseous, or trembling) is to relax and hydrate until you feel better. Consume water, fresh juices, and other non-alcoholic beverages to help flush your bloodstream. Aim for 3 good-sized glasses in the first 3 hours.
04. Rest For a Short Time After Giving Blood
After donating blood, rest for at least 45 minutes. Avoid doing any strenuous activity, including any kind of cardio exercise, for at least 24 hours. You’ll also want to try not to spend too much time on your feet.
05. Munch on Healthy Snacks
To minimize the after-effects of donating blood, ensure appropriate nutrition, especially a protein-rich diet like red meat, poultry, and fish. You may eat a normal meal within two hours of donating, including non-meat sources such as lentils, beans, and dark green vegetables. Avoid fatty foods, salads with dressing, or greasy sandwiches.
To help maintain the high quality of your blood and make new red blood cells, eat foods containing iron and vitamins C and B.
If you want to donate blood from the comfort and privacy of your home, get in touch with mobile lab service provider MD Phlebotomy On Wheels. We deliver credible home laboratory services in Maryland, Northern VA, Baltimore, and now DC. You can learn more about our services by visiting our website or contacting us to book a visit.