I went for a COVID antibody test yesterday with the intention of donating blood or plasma

[meow2u3]

I wanted to do my part in saving lives by donating either plasma or whole blood, so my doctor ordered a SARS CoV2 antibody test. This morning, I got the results: NEGATIVE. So far, I haven't been exposed to COVID and I want to keep it that way.

A little later this morning, I went to sign up to donate whole blood. I'm scheduled for this coming Thursday at about 12 noon.

Is it safe for me to return home by car without someone driving me to the blood bank?

[MLAA]

1. If you can't wait longer to recover and drive yourself

I would say both wear masks and sit in the backseat. If you are very high risk and depending where you live, I would stay home 🙂

[leftieNanner]

2. Why can't you drive yourself?

Donating blood isn't like having a sedated medical procedure. I'm not sure if that is your question.

I have donated many times throughout my life. After you donate, they have you rest and eat a snack. They won't let you leave if you are unsteady in any way.

Good for you - donating blood is hugely important.

[Siwsan]

3. Everyone reacts differently to donating blood

When I was a Navy "A" school instructor, my students used to donate blood in order to score a half-day 'vampire liberty'. Most of the students did fine. They got up, ate their cookie or drank some juice, and shortly after they headed back to class. However, one of them, who was a BIG and very strong guy, passed out as soon as he got up from the table.

If this is your first time donating, let them now.

[drray23]

4. Eheh I should know..

Years ago, I was a young lieutenant in the army. There was a blood drive on post. I march my whole platoon in there, everybody lines up to give blood. I go first to lead by example.

A fine plan until they draw blood. I went white and almost passed out. The only thing that stopped me is probably that I could not live it up with my men had this happened.

I never had problems before. But that day, it hit me like a ton of bricks.

[brewens]

6. Did you skip breakfast that day? If you just had coffee, that would have been the reason probably.

I did a blood drive at this Alpha Phi sorority one day at Washington State University. This cute girl drug her small boyfriend in to donate. I had no indication he was nervous, but he must have been. When they did the little pre donation physical and poked his finger, he passed out and pissed his pants! And not just a little bit! I'm talking puddle flowing out from behind the privacy screens! Passing out may have been the least of your problems if you hadn't gutted it out and stayed with it.

[drray23]

7. We were just back from a 3 days maneuver.

Had not slept much and yes, just had coffee and not a solid breakfast..

[Siwsan]

9. This memory is so clear that I remember his name, to this day

I felt so bad, for him, but he recovered quickly and was very good natured about the good natured ribbing he received from the other students. Which is good because he TOWERED over most of them.

[brewens]

5. Did you ever donate blood before? Most likely you'll be just fine. I worked blood drives

for 12 years. If you have no problems with anxiety getting blood work done, that's good. Some people don't even make it past the finger poke to check their hemoglobin level, but that is rare.

If you're a small person, that can be a factor. They have more reactions. Also make sure and eat a good meal at least an hour or so before you go. Don't have anything greasy, but don't hold back on the salt. pound down lots of extras fluids starting the afternoon before to make sure and be well hydrated. If you're one of those that drinks a lot of water everyday intentionally anyway, don't worry about that much.

Even people that pass out are almost always just fine after they recover. usually it turns out they didn't follow the recommendations. If you like the experience and you're a real trooper, check into donating platelets. That whole thing usually takes about two hours but it's easy. I find that the perfect time to watch a movie or concert on my laptop.

What product they will want to get from you depends a lot on blood type. If you're O negative, they will most likely just want whole blood or what they call a double red cell donation. A positive, they like to get platelets, are a couple examples.

[meow2u3]

10. This is the first time I donated blood in my life

I thought I couldn't because of my diabetes. Since I have it under control, I now can.

BTW, my blood type is O negative--and I have some extra padding.

[brewens]

11. You will be popular. I hope it goes well and you enjoy doing it. What blood center are you

donating with? I'm retired from Vitalent, which Was Inland Northwest Blood Center most of the time I was there. I also worked for the Red Cross before that.

[meow2u3]

12. I'm not looking to be popular

I'm doing what I see as my Christian duty--to try to save lives as best I can.

I live in the Lehigh Valley, so I'm going to Miller Keystone, a local blood bank in my area.

[brewens]

13. By popular, I meant O negative is the hot commodity. Unless there was a real problem,

they will want you back.

That outfit looks like it must be an independent local center. That's getting rare. Makes me think they are well run.

[meow2u3]

14. I get what you're saying

Anyone can use my blood without having to wait around for other donors...as for me being a recipient, that's another story.

[rurallib]

8. Most every body can drive after donating

I have been doing it for a long, long time. Have always driven to and from the donation with no problem. My commute is @ 25 miles both ways to donate.

[Skittles]

15. I donate platelets every three weeks

I drive myself, it's not a problem