3. Post-donation advice
Donors should pay attention to the following advice to protect their health and blood safety even if they become a regular donor in future.
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If the venepuncture site has any fresh bleeding, apply pressure for 2-5 minutes until the bleeding stops. Keep the plaster on and remove it after bath at that night.
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If a donor feels dizzy, unwell or has cold sweats, please take a seat or lie down immediately. Loosen any restrictive garments and keep breathing. Remain clam, take slow and long deep breath. Seek assistance from passers-by if necessary. Seek medical consultation or call the Emergency Hotline 999 if condition does not improve.
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Bruising may occur following blood donation if there is bleeding underneath the skin. It can happen occasionally after giving blood and should disappear on its own. Apply cold compress on venepuncture site if pain or discomfort occurs.
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If there is redness, swelling, pain or numbness around the venepuncture site, please contact us or consult a physician immediately.
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Drink plenty of fluid to replenish fluid loss over the next 12 hours.
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Avoid strenuous exercise over the next 12 hours.
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Over the next 12 hours, avoid lifting heavy items to prevent bruising of venepuncture site.
If a donor develops signs or symptoms of an infection (e.g fever, common cold, etc.) within 4 weeks after blood donation, or if a donor develops hepatitis, tuberculosis or malaria within 3 months after blood donation, please call our duty medical staff on 2710 1201/ 2710 1208/2710 1298 during office hours or 2710 1210/2710 1234 outside office hours.