Donor Well Being

Donor Well Being

Blood donors are our greatest asset. We are therefore very anxious to ensure that you have a positive experience when you give us your blood and time. Here are some tips on what you can do to help your body prepare for the donation and to recuperate after the donation.

Before your donation

You should make sure that you drink plenty of water and have something substantial to eat before you donate.

Water and juices will help against dehydration and will increase your blood flow during the donation, reducing the actual bleeding time.

Eating something substantial and healthy before the donation dramatically reduces the risk of reactions.

Continue to drink lots of fluid and avoid drinking vast amounts of alcohol. Water and juices will help replacing some of your lost fluids. Additionally, don’t get involved in any strenuous activities for at least twelve hours after being bled. Also avoid using your punctured arm to carry heavy materials.

We advise further to keep your arm clean and to dry it properly after washing to help the healing. Usually, the dressing can be taken off after six hours. If your arm should start bleeding raise it above your head and hold something very firmly over the needle puncture for at least 10 minutes.

Bruising of the arm can occur. In case excessive bruising appears please notify the Blood Service and if necessary see your doctor. Usually, the bruising will fade and disappear over a period of days.

The puncture usually heals quickly, but if you have any pain, redness, swelling or discharges please contact the Blood Service.

We aim to keep you feeling good and healthy. A healthy lifestyle which includes healthy food and exercise is beneficial for everyone, but especially for you as a blood donor.

One important part of a healthy and agile lifestyle is to have sufficient haemoglobin and blood iron levels. Low haemoglobin levels reduce your oxygen carrying capacity.