What Not To Do Before Blood Donation
If you donate blood frequently, you’re likely familiar with the blood donation process. However, those who don’t know much about the procedure should know that blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that could save someone’s life. Most blood donation procedures involve being hooked up to a machine where blood will be drawn out of your arm.
If you’re called Laboratory Services Maryland to donate blood, check out the list below on things to avoid before donating blood:
1. Don’t eat a large meal before donating blood
The sight of blood makes some people nauseous, which could cause them to pass out while donating it. Do not eat anything more than a light snack 2 hours before donating blood. Also, eating certain high-calcium foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese, or even chocolates can affect your body’s ability to absorb iron, so it’s better to avoid these foods.
The American Red Cross provides guidelines to ensure the quality of donated blood. For example, it’s best to get your iron levels checked if you’re a regular blood donor. This is especially true for women, who generally lose iron during menstruation. It is also suggested to increase your vitamin C intake as it aids iron absorption.
2. Don’t smoke or chew gum before or during your appointment
Smoking and chewing gum can make you feel lightheaded and nauseous, and affect your blood pressure, which, in turn, affects the quality of the blood you donate. Nicotine also reduces the amount of oxygen carried through the bloodstream by increasing the thickness of the red cell membrane. Smokers will typically have lower red cell counts when donating blood, thus requiring more frequent donations or not being eligible to donate as often as someone who has never smoked.
3. Don’t partake in strenuous activities
Being well-rested is important before donating blood. It’s vital that you make sure not to partake in any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting before donating blood, which may result in dizziness or light-headedness.
4. Don’t consume alcohol or caffeine
You can’t consume alcohol for 24 hours before donating blood as it dehydrates your body. You should also stay away from caffeine and nicotine two to three days beforehand.
5. Don’t eat fatty food
Fats in your blood can affect test results. High-fat foods such as french fries or ice cream may affect blood tests for total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides.
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We are a team of trained medical professionals who stick to strict hygiene and protocol guidelines while providing a range of in home phlebotomy services MD for paternity, pediatric, glucose tolerance, and urine testing.