I was in Modesto, CA on an extended visit with family when I received a calendar reminder that I could make another donation since the 56 day clock was winding down. That's when I decided to go to the American Red Cross donation center in Modesto because saving lives is a great way to support the community and blood is always in short supply, especially with all the disasters that continue to happen across our beautiful country.
As with everything else today, I had to download their app and create an account which is no big deal for me. Once that's done I easily schedule my appointment and when the day arrives I show up maybe 20 minutes early, but that didn't phase them at all, especially since they weren't busy. Check-in was a breeze because I had previously completed the health history questionnaire online and I was then taken to a room where the nurse would ask a few more questions and give a finger prick type blood test that I believe was for hemoglobin, but I might be wrong about that.
Once she was satisfied my 'paperwork' & test were in order she took me out to the main area where your blood is taken. They are all very professional and talk you thru every step of the process before starting the procedure itself. Then she locates the best artery to draw the blood from, cleans it real well with antiseptic, and when she's ready to insert the needle, tells you it's time to look away if you don't want to watch, which I almost always do, though I have watched at times. Everyone is different, but for me, when the needle goes in it's kind of like getting a shot without the feeling of the vaccine going in your arm. You'll have something in your hand to squeeze to assist her in finding the vein, and then once the blood starts flowing she'll ask you to squeeze it every 10 seconds or so and you do not feel a thing.
Once the bag is full, about 5 minutes for my thin blood because I take baby aspirin, she tells you your finished, has you put pressure on a piece of gauze while she removes the needle and then bandages the site. Your done now and asked to go sit down for a 10 minute observation period in case you get light headed which has never happened to me, and have a free light snack and something to drink. It's that simple and almost a painless process.
Please seriously consider donating blood because you really can save a life. It's that important. read more