Can I donate blood if I have been drinking alcohol? How many beers could I have before doing so? Can I eat before I give blood? What else do I need to know?
Kevin Bryant, Phuket City
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 11:19:05 AM
“No, you can’t give blood if you are drunk. Giving blood is a serious commitment and please ensure the following before you donate blood:
You must be aged between 17 and 55 and weigh more than 50kg. Get at least six hours sleep the night before and eat a main meal that contains iron, but avoids high cholesterol foods before donating. Drink three to four glasses of water, juice or milk beforehand, don’t have caffeine, don’t drink alcohol at least 24 hours before donating and do not smoke one hour before and one hour after donating blood
While you are donating the blood, please ensure that you wear comfortable, loose clothing that can be lifted above the elbow. Choose the arm where the vein is most prominent and don’t choose an area of skin that is bruised or has a rash. If you have any allergies please inform the person who will withdraw the blood. Make sure you are relaxed and don’t chew gum or have candy while donating the blood. Squeeze the ball you will be given continuously and if you start to shake or feel dizzy or numb please tell the officer immediately. After you have finished, do not get up too fast. Lay down for a short period until you feel OK and then go and get something to eat and drink.
After donating blood, make sure you drink plenty of water for the next couple of days and avoid doing strenuous exercise or using a sauna. Do not lift anything heavy with the arm you donated blood from for 24 hours and if you feel dizzy or faint, sit down and put your head between your knees or lie down and elevate your feet above head height until you feel normal. If you have blood leaking from your arm, do not panic. Press your fingers or your hand on your arm and elevate it for about three to five minutes. If the blood does not stop, please come back and see a doctor or nurse. If your job involves climbing or working with machinery you should take a day off before returning to work. Eat plenty of food that is iron-rich and take an iron tablet once a day.
For more information please contact the Blood Transfusion Medical Section, Vachira Phuket Hospital, 353 Yaowarat Road, Tambon Taladyai, Ampur Muang, Phuket 83000. T: 076-361234 #1285.”
