It takes about the same amount of time as getting a hair cut and a cup of coffee.
Hospitals are always in need of blood. Patients suffering from extreme blood loss due to car accidents and other complications such as cancer treatment and chronic illnesses need donated blood to stay alive. In fact, according to The Red Cross, every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood.
What happens when you donate? About 2 cups of blood is pumped from your body into plastic recipients. The beauty of blood donation is that, if you are an otherwise healthy individual, your body will regenerate that blood quickly.
The plasma taken will be replaced naturally by your system in about 24 hours.
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Your red blood cells will take longer- about 4 to 6 weeks- to come back, but basically in less than two cell phone bills, you’ll be entirely back to normal.
What happens in the clinic? When you arrive to donate, you will be asked to sit back in a beautifully comfortable chair, (think salon), and a sterile needle will be inserted into your arm. Staff will ensure that you’re comfortable and safe.
It only takes about 10 minutes to have your blood extracted. Once it’s done, you will be asked to wait a little longer on the premises to make sure you’re OK to go. You’ll be offered a small snack and some juice, to jump start your system. And that’s it. Easy as pie.
To find a blood donor clinic in Canada, click here. For the U.S click here.
