The Experience of a First Time Blood Donor
This article commemorates “MHSA’s Every Drop Counts”, MHSA’s first public event for the term 2020/2021. Raquel Zerafa, a first-time blood donor who donated through this initiative, was interviewed for the purpose of this article.
The National Blood Transfusion Service provides donors with digital information on their website, this can be accessed through the following: https://bit.ly/Bbipq7 . The website can aid the donor prepare for donation and help in understanding whether one can potentially donate. Zerafa mentioned that she had gone through the guidelines and as a vegetarian, sought out iron and Vitamin C rich foods, to ensure a good haemoglobin level. She also tried to prepare herself mentally and although she felt nervous and excited, during the donating process she relaxed through the sense of security and reassurance provided by the staff. Furthermore, she read the guidelines regarding age, weight, health, and medication consumption, amongst others, and these indicated that she would potentially be able to donate. Zerafa also commented that the criteria included was informative enough; it does not include information which is too specific and irrelevant to most, but also not too general that it is impossible to predict if one can actually donate.
Once at the Guardamangia institution, the temperature is noted due to COVID-19 measures and as her temperature was in the safe range, she proceeded with the donation process. After registration, first-time donors are provided with a comprehensive pamphlet describing said process, but due to Zerafa’s previous attempt this resource was not needed.
This is proceeded by testing, where weight and haemoglobin readings are taken, followed by a medical questionnaire regarding one’s health. Zerafa expressed that she understood the need for such tests as her blood would potentially be transfused into another person. The staff made sure to accommodate her by explaining what they were doing, and during the medical exam the door was closed to maximise confidentiality.
After medical clearance, one would progress to the donation. In addition to the standard hygiene measures, social distancing was promoted between donors by only allowing three donors in the room, and both donors and staff wore facemasks or visors due to COVID-19 measures. Zerafa remarked how the phlebotomists were very hospitable and professional in their work; they asked her if she was afraid of needles before insertion and asked how she felt multiple times during the donation. When asked if the experience was painful, she answered that it was not but rather she felt that “The needle was annoying.”
Immediately after donating, while she was having a complimentary sandwich and some refreshing water, she felt that the discomfort of donating was worth the deed. Later on in the day she reported that although she did not experience any bruising, she developed weakness in her right arm and hand. This, together with the tiredness of donating a pint of blood challenged her, but nonetheless she continued her day normally.
When asked what were her favourite and least favourite parts of the donation, she answered with the staff, their smiles, and their hospitality, followed by the anticipation previous to the medical clearance, respectively. In a previous attempt she had been refused due to her weight, but through a healthier lifestyle she managed to achieve a suitable weight.
Zerafa’s advice for first time donors is to not be afraid, she remarked that it is a comprehensively explained yet simple process, with a high reward as with one pint one can potentially save three lives. Questions asked to the staff were answered, in fact when Zerafa asked if 7minutes of blood donation was normal the phlebotomist confirmed that it is, and explained further that temporal variations occur due to a multitude of factors including blood vessel length and diameter, and how nervous the person is. Her concluding remarks were that the overall experience was “Phenomenal” and she was glad to share that by the end of the week she had already set up a reminder on her calendar, marking her next donation attempt in four months’ time.
Written by: Malcolm Camilleri