So You Want to Be a Blood Donor Quiz

Answer: To ensure you meet the requirements to donate blood

Not everyone can be a blood donor! You must be in good health, meet certain age and weight requirements, and not be at risk for passing along certain diseases that can be transmitted through blood transfusions. You may be asked questions about your health, travel, and even your sexual activity.

There is a good reason for all of the questions, even if they are not immediately evident to you. Keeping the blood supply safe is the number one priority.

Answer: You had a tattoo two weeks ago

Many people enjoy getting tattoos, but it can be a risky procedure. There have been cases of diseases such as hepatitis being transmitted by tattoo needles. Where I live, one is not eligible to donate until a year has passed after getting a tattoo (other places may have a different waiting period). You may also be ineligible if you have traveled to certain countries, or have engaged in sexual activity that puts you at risk of having contracted the AIDS virus.

Another common reason you might not be allowed to give blood is if you have taken aspirin or products containing aspirin recently as aspirin interferes the ability of the blood to clot properly.

Answer: To make sure you are not anemic

It is important that your hemoglobin levels fall within certain limits in order for you to qualify as a blood donor. If they are too low, you may be asked to come back at another time. You can also be disqualified if your levels are too high, but this is seldom a problem.

The drop of blood she takes from your finger will be put into a machine that will accurately measure your hemoglobin levels.

Answer: Gag you to prevent you from screaming

Phlebotomists are trained professionals who are there to make sure the experience of donating blood is as safe and pleasant as possible. You may be asked to squeeze a rubber ball to make the veins in your arms stand out. The needle that will be used to draw blood is placed in a vein in your inner elbow.

The phlebotomist will disinfect the area with an iodine solution (or another antiseptic if you are allergic to iodine). After inserting the needle into your vein (it doesn't hurt at all), he or she will collect several small test tubes of blood which will be used for typing and testing for for various diseases. Your blood will then begin dripping into a small plastic bag - your donation has begun!

Answer: About a pint

The actual amount that is collected is 450 - 500ml, or about a pint. The amount of blood you have in your body depends on your weight and sex (men have a bit more blood, on average, than women), but most people have around six to ten pints of blood. The plasma from your donation (the liquid portion of the blood) is replaced by your body within about 24 hours. Red blood cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement.

Answer: 5 to 10 minutes

The actual donation is very quick. It is impossible to say exactly how long you will have to sit with the needle in your arm, because some people bleed faster than others. The entire process, from start to finish, usually lasts less than an hour.

Answer: You will be offered refreshments and be allowed to rest

After you have completed your blood donation, you will be taken to an area where you will be offered drinks and snacks. It is a good idea to drink lots of liquids after donating blood, and to refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, or engaging in heavy strenuous physical activity for several hours. You may even receive a t-shirt or other small gift in appreciation of your donation.

Answer: False

Donating blood is very safe and almost painless. A very few people may experience dizziness or become lightheaded, and occasionally there may be heavy bruising at the site of the needle puncture, but these reactions are rare. The vast majority of donors experience no ill-effects at all. There is even some evidence that regular blood donation may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Answer: Eight weeks

It takes four to six weeks for your body to completely replace the red blood cells you lose when you donate blood, so in most parts of the United States you have to wait eight weeks between donations. There is a constant demand for blood and blood products, so becoming a regular donor is a great way to ensure that there is enough blood available for everyone who needs it.

Answer: False

All blood types are in constant demand! Just because you have a very common blood type (most people are O+ or A+), that doesn't mean your blood isn't welcome. In fact, it is often the most common types that are needed most.