After an accident, we all expect blood to be available if we need it, but very few of us take the time to donate blood. During the holidays, even fewer people take the time—less than an hour—to save a life.
Paula Dayton, donor recruitment coordinator at the UI DeGowin Blood Center, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, talks about donating blood:
Is donating blood safe?
Donating blood is safe. All of the equipment we use is sterile and disposable. We follow very strict guidelines to assure that you meet all eligibility requirements before you donate. We watch you and we monitor you closely during the blood donation process. We ask you to stay for 10 minutes after your procedure so we know you’re feeling well before we send you on your way. We also give you instructions on dos and don’ts following your blood donation so you know what you should do in the 24 hours after you donate. You can make your donation arrangements on line.
How do I know if I am eligible to donate blood?
When you come in for your appointment, we give you a questionnaire that includes questions about your health history and travel history. Once you’ve answered these questions, we review them to make sure you meet our criteria. When this is complete, you have a mini-physical:
- A finger prick to make sure that you have enough red cells,
- Take your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature to ensure they meet our requirements—that’s for your safety and also to make sure that it’s safe for a patient to receive your blood
If you have more questions about your eligibility, please feel free to call the DeGowin Blood Center at 356-2058 and ask to speak with a nurse.
Are the health history questions and my test results confidential?
Absolutely—all your health history and test results are confidential and we make sure your confidentiality is protected by the private screening areas and a secure computer system.
If I was turned down in the screening process, can I try again?
It all depends on why you were turned down. If there is a reason why you would be permanently deferred or not be able to donate ever again, you would be notified by a letter or phone call. If the deferral requires that you come back for repeat or additional testing, we would inform you of that.
If you’re deferred for something like your blood pressure doesn’t fall within the specified range, or you have a cold the day you come in, of course you can try again. For colds you need to be symptom-free for five days. There are many reasons why people are turned down. The DeGowin staff will inform you about whether you can return and when you can return. Don’t be afraid to ask us questions if you’re unsure about that.
Are there any side effects to donating blood?
Most people handle a blood donation without adverse effects. Sometimes, and this is more likely to happen with a first-time donor because they’re nervous and don’t know what to expect, they might become a little lightheaded. That’s why our staff monitors all of our donors carefully, looking for those signs. We know what to do if you become lightheaded and can help you through that. We make sure that you’re feeling fine before we send you on your way. Also, because we are putting a needle in your vein, sometimes the needle doesn’t go in exactly the way we want it to, and that can result in a little bit of bruising. We suggest that you put ice on the spot and there’s usually no long-term effect of that.
How often can someone donate blood?
You can donate whole blood every 56 days or eight weeks; and platelet donors can give every four weeks.
Does the DeGowin Center have a promotional giveaway for donors this time of year? Tell us about that.
We have a couple of really exciting promotions going on right now. One is that we’re giving away our “I GAVE RED TO GO GREEN” shopping bags to all successful donors from now until January 1. And you can visit our Web site, to view those bags. We also have a new yearlong promotion this year and it’s a reward program that we’re offering bonus points for that accrue each time you donate. And then once you’ve accumulated a certain number of points, you can go to our reward program online and shop for various gifts and they’ll be sent right to your home. Because we really need your help this time of year, we’re giving you some bonus points if you can come in during the holidays and help with the donation during this busy time. You can check out when those bonus point times are on our Web site also, at www.uihealthcare.com/bloodcenter, and learn all the details about the reward program there.
How can someone schedule an appointment to donate?
Call the DeGowin Blood Center at 319-356-2058 or go online. |
