Donating Blood

[muchlovex]

When I go to donate blood my blood comes out no problem at first but after about 6 seconds, my blood stops and they have to put the needle back in as my arm refuses to give blood. It trickles really slowly and then eventually it comes out.

Does anyone else have the same problem when donating blood?

Does this mean that my blood is flowing slowly out of my arm?

[teag1rl]

I had this happen once-nurse said it was self defence mechanism-you're bleeding and body doesn't want you to so blood clots. Don't have a go at me if this is wrong or not a very good medical answer, but it's what I was told.
I also correlate it with not having had anything to drink that day mind you, as I hadn't planned to give blood til i saw the sign on my way home...

[mattie]

It depends on the person, I am regular blood donor, and quite often I can start after someone and finish before them.

Make sure you have plenty to eat and drink before donating.

[WoWo]

I'd say thats about right teag1rl, the blood is designed to clot and harden when exposed to air so I'd imagine it's no bad thing that your blood does this. The cells in the blood that do this are called platelets.

[figure]

I've had this happened to me also. The nurse actually took the needle out of my left arm and went to the right one. The blood came out slower. She then removed the needle and went back to the left, it was a bit painful.