a pint of blood

[IggyB]

thats half an arm full. How long does it take for the body to top up after losing a pint of blood ?

[sddsddean]

I am a regular donor and have asked this question whilst doning(is that a word?). About 475ml (just under a pint) is taken and it is replaced by the body in 1 to 2 hours, according to your metabolism etc. Having fluids helps, which is why you are given a cup of tea or orange after your donation. If you are thinking of becoming a donor, I can assure you it doesn't hurt, although you can sometimes get a little bruise where the needle goes in. The worst bit is the sample prick on the end of your finger! For more info go to www.blood.co.uk

[coggles]

I used to give blood every 6 months. It is a bit scary the first time but it is so worth while. Unfortunately, after going about 15 times, I had only managed to donate about 7 times, as I was normally too anaemic. After having our 2nd child, I needed a blood transfusion.I am pleased someone with my blood type had given blood which helped me get better.

[coggles]

P.S. Very funny sketch.........1

[archbishop]

Coggles are you talking about Tony Hancock or the blood donor website?

[IggyB]

a few hours seems very quick, why couldn't you give blood every other day if we can make it that quick, i was thinking red and white blood cells took ages to make (more like days than hours), and one additional question and then i'll stop worrying (a bit) ... it sounds silly but... should you avoid alcohol, coffee fags and all the rest before you give blood, just thinking about some poor person getting a nicotine addiction after a transfer

[boognish76]

I don't think there's a problem with what you eat/drink/smoke before donating. However you should avoid alcohol directly for a few hours after donating as it is likely to make you a bit light-headed. Does anyone know why you only get squash on your first visit ie. no tea! And why don't they give you coffee - I don't like tea?!

[Jaybee]

The body replaces the fluid lost in just a few hours (which is why you need to keep up your fluid intake afterwards), but it takes some time longer to replace the red and white cells, platelets etc that are taken. This is why you can't give blood too often. I've been doing it for years (30 donations so far) and hope I've helped somebody.

[sddsddean]

At our donor place we get tea, coffee ,lemon and orange squash plus loads of biccies. Perhaps different areas do it different ways. I think the reason they limit you to 3 times a year is to stop you going anemic etc. Some people just donate plasma and platelets and I think they can do this about once a week.

[Robinia]

A massive thank you to all those who donate. I rec'd 16 units over a 7mnth period while having chemo.

[Squirrel]

I know this sounds stupid, but does having "diluted" blood make you temporarily stupid or slow-witted? For example, will giving blood before an exam probably affect the mark that you get?

[Hippy]

I have been a regular blood donor since being 18, and have now donated sixty times or so (I have lost count) and can remember that very first time. I was not overly anxious about it; coming from a medical family, I knew there was nothing scary. Just after giving the blood I felt a bit light headed and silly - apt to giggle a bit. After ten minutes with the tea and biscuits I felt normal again. They say you should not drive or operate dangerous machines for a bit after, because of this giddiness.

I have never noticed any lessening of mental acuity after giving blood. I must emphasise, that giddy feeling was most noticeable the first time, I've never had it like that since, and it only lasted a short time. I accidently had a whiff of amyl nitrite (poppers) from a friend once, and that was ten times worse, complete with hours of thumping headaches afterwards!

[Squirrel]

That's a relief to know. (The first bit, I mean!)

[incitatus]

mental faculties are ok. Physically it can have an effect. wheni i was first a donor I was a regular at the gym, doing very silly amounts of weights. Because i kept a record of my performance I noted that it took me three days to regain the stamina levels I had before a donation.