When to Call the Blood Bank or Doctor After Donating
Most donors feel fine after following simple aftercare instructions. However, it is important to know when you should seek help.
Situations where you should contact the blood bank
Call the blood bank or donation centre (using the phone number they gave you) if:
1. You forgot to mention something important
o You remember a fever, illness, travel, high‑risk exposure, or medication that you did not tell them about.
o You realize you are being tested or treated for a condition like hepatitis, tuberculosis, or another serious infection.
They may decide to discard your donation to protect patients, and they might advise you about further health checks.
2. You feel unwell later the same day
o Persistent dizziness or fainting episodes.
o Nausea or vomiting that does not settle.
o Strong headache or unusual tiredness that worries you.
3. Bleeding or large swelling at the needle site
o The puncture site continues to bleed even after pressing firmly.
o A large, painful lump forms (hematoma) that seems to be growing.
Staff can guide you on whether you can manage at home (for example, with compression and rest) or need medical review.
When to seek urgent medical care
Go to the nearest hospital or emergency service (and, if possible, inform them you recently donated blood) if you notice:
· Repeated fainting or near‑fainting.
· Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
· Severe pain, numbness or loss of movement in the donation arm.
· Very large, rapidly increasing swelling in the arm or around the needle site.
· Fever or signs of infection at the needle site (redness, warmth, pus, spreading streaks).
These are uncommon, but when they occur, they need prompt attention.
Early contact allows:
· Quick treatment if needed.
· Better safety for other donors and patients if any issue is discovered (for example, if you report an infection soon after donating).