The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) have issued an appeal for blood donations from Dubliners.
Currently, the IBTS are running extremely low on negative blood types of O, A, and B, with O negative only stocked for the next two days.
Around one in four of us will need a transfusion at some point in our lives, and if you feel like giving blood, you should be aware that while the donation itself takes about 8 minutes, but you should allow 60–90 minutes in total for your visit.
After the donation you get to rest and are served refreshments.
When you volunteer to give blood, you will be asked to register your details with the IBTS and to fill in a health and lifestyle questionaire. All the information you give will be treated in the strictest confidence.
A drop of blood taken from your fingertip will be analysed for haemoglobin (iron level) content. After the medical screening process, you will be shown to a donation bed.
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A pressure cuff will be put around your upper arm and the area will be cleaned with an antiseptic.
A doctor or nurse will then insert a needle that is attached to a blood bag. The bag is kept out of sight below the level of the bed. It holds 470 mls of blood (just under a pint).
You will be asked to open and close your hand to ensure smooth blood flow. There is no risk of contracting any disease by donating blood. A new sterile blood pack is used for every donor. It is never reused.
If you wish to find out more about the service, click here .
