Tips for giving blood.

[milly143]

Giving blood tonight at about 6. Recently every time I have been, they have had real trouble finding a vein. I won't go into the details of what they did to get one, or what happened when they actually found one last time, it's a bit gross. They've had to send me away 4 times which is really disappointed. I'm drinking lots of water this afternoon but does anyone have any other tips to ensure my veins are all pert and ready for juicing?

[Quizmonkey]

If it's that much of a hassle, or 'that gross', don't do it. I know they always need new stocks etc, but I'm sure they can do without your tiny donation.

[Jemisa]

When I have blood tests & thats quite often they have a prob finding my vein, they try the right arm then the left if no joy they tap the vein, sometimes it works. If not they go into the back of the hand. Sometimes I come out of there Black & Blue.

jem

[WELSHYORKIE]

My doc said that the best patients to take blood from are hot, sweaty rugby players (maybe a perv) - so my tip would be to go there and put an extra jumper or fleece on

[pa___ul3]

wish I could help but my veins are like hosepipes! I've donated twice (next up May 25th) and each time I've been 10 mins quicker than my gf! They usually have a bit of trouble with her but never too bad.
Fair play for going back and donating again though despite the hassle!

[Sqad]

There is nothing that will make much difference.

[crisgal]

i always had trouble, but then, when i was pregnant and had pre eclampsia, they took it that often I remembered whereabouts it was. Now i show them whereabouts it is.
They get it first time now.
one really good midwife spent ages feeling around. She said it doesn't matter if you can see them, it's the 'bouncy' ones that are the easiest.
I've told this to other nurses and some have said it hepled them.

[marval]

I have regular blood tests from the back of my hand. The nurse can't use my arms.
Not sure they can do that though.

[crisgal]

just wanted to say - well done to you!
That would have put most people off - aren't you good?

[danchip]

if your cold then they are hard to find, wrap up warm before you go!

[milly143]

That might have sounded a little dramatic, it wasn't 'that' bad but I'm not very easiy grossed out anyway.

It's odd as the first couple of times it was really easy and the nurse said my second was the quickest donation she ever did. God knows why my arms have gone awkward now. I guess it's just down to the day isn't isn't it.

[Cockney_si]

Like Jemisa said before, try another arm.

[Flossy3]

Dear Quizmonkey

Lets hope not everyone thinks like you do. Any donation, no matter how small is appreciated. In my opinion, your response seems to belittle the people good enough to give up their time and their blood for the sake of others. Lets hope if you ever need some (perish the thought) that people werent thinking like you that day and decided it was too much hassle!

[joggerjayne]

I gave on Monday, and I'm not due back until September.

There's not much you can do to make your veins easier to find.

Just be patient while they try to find it.

Maybe take a newspaper to hold in the other hand, to take your mind off it ??