By Shelby Kay, Staff Writer
www.bloodsource.org
Every year in October, Blood Source comes to Vacaville High School to draw blood from most students who are eligible to do so. There are many students who give blood because they love knowing that they are saving someone’s life, while others prefer not to give blood because they are scared of the needle, but quite frankly it doesn’t hurt that much, and would you rather feel a little pinch or know someone is out there in real pain because they need more blood to live?
I’m sure you have some questions, here are questions you may ask, as well as some answers. Are you eligible? You must feel healthy, be free from cold or flu symptoms for at least 48 hours, be at least 18 years old (16 and 17 with Parental Consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and bring a photo identification or Blood Source Donor Card. You cannot give blood if; you have had hepatitis after age 10, are pregnant or have been in the past 6 weeks, are taking antibiotics for any infection, have AIDS or are at risk of having AIDS, or had leukemia or myeloma. Will I feel weak from giving blood? Usually no, just make sure to drink a lot of water and eat nutritious foods and stay cold to keep your blood flowing.
Is the blood donation safe? Does it hurt? “Donating blood is very safe. All materials are used once, then discarded. You cannot get any infectious disease by donating blood. Most people feel fine after they give blood. The actual needle (venipuncture) hurts no more than a pinch.” Says Blood Source. How long will it take? “The entire process takes about 60 minutes, including the interview before and refreshments time after donation; automated donations take longer. For your safety, you must stay in the refreshment area at least 15 minutes following your donation.” Blood Source paperwork states.
How much can I give? “Every donor is evaluated individually with safety in mind! When you donate whole blood, one unit, about a pint is collected. Depending on your gender, height, and weight, you may be able to give more with automated blood collection.” Blood Source. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the study Principal Investigator Dr. Jonathan Hughes at (916) 453-3726. If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant or if you feel you have been injured from the donation contact the American Red Cross Institutional Review Board Administrator at (877) 738-0856. And you can also visit the website for Blood Source at www.bloodsource.org.
I’m sure you have some questions, here are questions you may ask, as well as some answers. Are you eligible? You must feel healthy, be free from cold or flu symptoms for at least 48 hours, be at least 18 years old (16 and 17 with Parental Consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and bring a photo identification or Blood Source Donor Card. You cannot give blood if; you have had hepatitis after age 10, are pregnant or have been in the past 6 weeks, are taking antibiotics for any infection, have AIDS or are at risk of having AIDS, or had leukemia or myeloma. Will I feel weak from giving blood? Usually no, just make sure to drink a lot of water and eat nutritious foods and stay cold to keep your blood flowing.
Is the blood donation safe? Does it hurt? “Donating blood is very safe. All materials are used once, then discarded. You cannot get any infectious disease by donating blood. Most people feel fine after they give blood. The actual needle (venipuncture) hurts no more than a pinch.” Says Blood Source. How long will it take? “The entire process takes about 60 minutes, including the interview before and refreshments time after donation; automated donations take longer. For your safety, you must stay in the refreshment area at least 15 minutes following your donation.” Blood Source paperwork states.
How much can I give? “Every donor is evaluated individually with safety in mind! When you donate whole blood, one unit, about a pint is collected. Depending on your gender, height, and weight, you may be able to give more with automated blood collection.” Blood Source. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the study Principal Investigator Dr. Jonathan Hughes at (916) 453-3726. If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant or if you feel you have been injured from the donation contact the American Red Cross Institutional Review Board Administrator at (877) 738-0856. And you can also visit the website for Blood Source at www.bloodsource.org.