Donating blood is a relatively simple act and can even save lives. Donating blood for the first time can be quite exciting. We will tell you what is useful to know.
You cannot always give blood immediately after giving birth or when you have been abroad. Inquire in advance whether you are a suitable donor. If you could be a suitable donor, you can be called up. Your blood will be tested on site for infectious diseases to determine whether you are indeed suitable.
Drawing blood takes about 10 minutes, but allow about an hour for your visit to the blood bank. You fill in a questionnaire in advance and undergo a short inspection. Afterwards you can eat and drink something to avoid feeling weak. Women are allowed to donate blood up to 3 times a year.
Hospitals prefer to give patients blood of their own blood group. Donations of all blood groups are therefore urgently needed. The blood group O negative is needed a little more often. This blood group can be given to all patients and comes in handy when a patient's blood group is unknown.
Make sure you are rested and have eaten and drunk enough. Wear clothes that make it easy to expose your upper arm.
More information can be found on the Sanquin website.
