This Is Everything That Happens When You Give Blood

The snacks are worth it, TBH.

You probably already know that donating your blood can help to change someone else's life, but did you know you'll even get a text message telling you when and where the NHS gave your donation to someone in need? How cool!

If you've never done it before, the process can seem a bit of a mystery (and maybe even a little bit scary). To help you get ready to donate, we've detailed everything that will happen before, during, and after your appointment.

1. The first thing you'll do is sign up to the blood registry, which is actually super easy.

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The best way to start your journey is to sign up to the registry on blood.co.uk. The signup process is quick and easy; you'll just be asked a few questions about your health in order to check your eligibility.

2. Once you've registered, you can search for an appointment at your nearest donation centre.

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Getting an appointment might be a bit of a waiting game, but for a good reason! Blood has a limited shelf life, so the system carefully tries to balance how much is being donated to how much is needed in order to not waste any precious red cells. Book for further in advance, and if you're super keen, you can check on the website from time to time to see if you can get a last-minute appointment.

3. When the big day rolls around, you'll need to prepare by eating a big, yummy meal — so choose your favourite!

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Before you donate, you should make sure you eat a good meal and drink plenty of water to prevent feeling lightheaded afterward. You should also be as well-rested as possible. That also means forgoing any intense exercise both before and after donating. It's as good an excuse as any to miss the gym!

4. In what is the most 2020 sentence of all time: Don't forget your mask!

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Before your appointment, you'll receive a leaflet in the post detailing the coronavirus risk factors associated with donating and the ways in which the team will be working to protect you from the moment you walk in the door. You'll also be asked to wear a mask throughout your appointment, so remember to pack one!

5. Once you arrive, you'll be asked to fill out a donor health check questionnaire.

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The donor health check questionnaire will ask you about your general health, and where you may have travelled to recently. You'll also be asked to read a welcome leaflet, and be given a 500ml glass of water to drink – this will help to compensate for the fluids lost from donating and to stop your blood pressure from dipping.

6. A friendly donor carer will call you over for a quick chat and will test your iron levels.

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Your chat will be used to confirm your identity and double-check the information on your donor health check questionnaire, as well as making sure it's safe for you to donate. If, for any reason, you're not able to donate, the reasoning will be explained in full by a registered nurse.

You'll also have a haemoglobin (iron) test, which includes a quick finger prick for a blood sample. Don't worry, it'll be over before you know it!

After the chat with your donor carer, you'll be taken to the donation waiting area.

7. You'll be beckoned over to your throne (aka the donation chair).

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After getting comfy, a blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm, and your donor carer will identify which arm and vein they're going to collect your donation from and clean it.

Pro tip: if you're nervous about needles, take something with you to distract you like a book, or get a video ready on your phone to watch. Your carer will also make you feel as comfortable as possible so your experience is a breeze.

8. Now's the time to sit back, relax, and donate.

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Apart from a small scratch, you won't feel a thing during your donation. A needle will be placed in the crook of your elbow, and you'll be able to lie back and enjoy the people-watching, watch videos on your phone, or just close your eyes and bask in the glory of knowing you're doing your bit to help others.

9. If you're a speed demon, you can do some easy exercises to donate even faster.

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Your 470ml donation should usually take between five to 10 minutes, but if you want to help it along a bit, you can close and open your fist to help stimulate blood!

10. Ding, ding, ding – you're done!

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When the alarm sounds, you've completed your donation. Your nurse will remove your needle, place a small cotton bud and plaster over the site, and ask you to apply pressure — this is to reduce the chance of any bruising, so give it a good push.

11. After donating you'll be ask to relax for 15 minutes. This is your chance to raid the amazing snacks!

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Each donation centre has a different selection, but expect some stellar biscuits, crisps, and some squash. Treat yourself because you deserve it.

12. As long as you feel A-OK, you're free to go home!

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Wear your plaster with pride for the next six hours and just take it easy. Even superheroes need rest sometimes.

13. And the bit that will make you feel like a real hero: getting *the* text.

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Whenever you've donated, you'll receive a text to tell you when and where your blood was given to someone in need. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Giving blood is a small act that can make a big impact to someone else's life. If you want to donate, sign up to the registry at blood.co.uk and prepare to become a hero.

Additional imagery from Getty Images / iStock.