Blood donation

Blood donation is a process by which a blood donor voluntarily has blood drawn for storage in a blood bank for subsequent use in a blood transfusion.

Complications

Finger prick and needle insertion typically cause only minor discomfort. Phlebotomists may however experience difficulties in obtaining enough blood from some donors.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the donation, hypovolemia may occasionally lead to a drop in blood pressure with some donors experiencing light-headedness. In some cases this may necessitate cancelling the donation, restoring blood volume with an intravenous infusion, or placing the donor in a Trendelenburg position (on a stretcher tilted "legs up"). Beverages may be given to further replenish blood volume, and the donor may have to remain in a horizontal position for a while under monitoring.

Related Topics:
Hypovolemia - Blood pressure - Intravenous - Infusion - Trendelenburg position

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In a small number of cases, canulization can be followed by bruising in the weeks afterwards. This is rarely serious enough to require additional medical attention; if you experience bruising, consult your blood center or doctor.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Negative medical reactions to blood donation are rare and blood bank staff are well trained to handle them.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~