Preparation before donating blood

1. Have enough rest and sleep.
2. No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.
3. No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
4. Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty foods.
5. Drink plenty of fluid like water or juice.

Steps in donating blood

1. Have your weight taken.
2. Register honestly and completely the donor registration form.
3. Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.
4. A physician will examine the blood donor.
5. Actual donation. The amount of blood to be donated will depend on the donor's weight and blood pressure. Either 350cc or 450cc and would usually take 10 minutes or less.
6. A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid intake is necessary after donation.

What to do after blood donation

1. Drink plenty of fluids like water or juice.
2. Refrain from stooping down after blood donation.
3. Refrain from strenuous activities like:
   1. Lifting heavy objects
   2. Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.
   3. Operating big machines
4. Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.
5. Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding.
6. If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured site, you may apply cold compress for 24 hours and then hot compress for the next 24 hours.
7. If there is dizziness, just lie down feet elevated. Drink plenty of juice, in just a few minutes or so it will pass.