1. Care of the Donor After Phlebotomy

2. Care of the Donor After Phlebotomy
After removing the needle from the vein, the phlebotomist should:
Apply firm pressure with sterile gauze over the point of entry of the needle into vein. (The donor may be instructed to continue application of pressure for several minutes). Check arm and apply a bandage only after all bleeding stops.
2. Have donor remain reclining on the bed or in the donor chair for a few minutes under close observation by staff.
3. Allow the donor to sit up under observation until his or her condition appears satisfactory.
by Mohammed Abu-basha

3. Eat and drink something before leaving the donor site.
4. Give the donor instructions about postphlebotomy care. The medical director may wish to include some or all of the following recommendations or instructions:
Eat and drink something before leaving the donor site.
b. Do not leave until released by a staff member.
c. Drink more fluids than usual in the next 4 hours.
d. Avoid consuming alcohol until something has been eaten.
e. Do not smoke for 30 minutes.
f. If there is bleeding from the phlebotomy site, raise arm and apply pressure to the site.
g. If fainting or dizziness occurs, either lie down or
sit with the head between the knees.
by Mohammed Abu-basha

4. j. Remove bandage after a few hours.
h. If any symptoms persist, either telephone or return to the donor center or see a doctor.
Resume all normal activities if asymptomatic. Donors who work in certain occupations (eg, construction workers, operators of machinery) or persons working at heights should be cautioned that dizziness or faintness may occur if they return to work immediately after giving blood.
j. Remove bandage after a few hours.
k. Maintain high fluid intake for several days to restore blood volume.
by Mohammed Abu-basha

5. 5. Thank the donor for an important contribution and encourage repeat donation after the proper interval. All personnel on duty throughout the donor area, volunteer or paid, should be friendly and qualified to observe for signs of a reaction such as lack of concentration, pallor, rapid breathing, or excessive perspiration. Donor room personnel should be trained and competent to interpret instructions, answer questions, and accept responsibility for releasing the donor in good condition.
6. Note on the donor record any adverse reactions that occurred. If the donor leaves the area before being released, note this on the record.
by Mohammed Abu-basha

6. How will I feel after I donate?
Most people feel great after giving blood. If you feel any abnormal symptoms, let a staff member at the blood donation center or blood drive know.
You should avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise for the next 24 hours; otherwise you can resume full activity as long as you feel well.

7. Adverse Donor Reactions

8. Adverse Donor Reactions
Most donors tolerate giving blood very well, but adverse reactions occur occasionally. Personnel must be trained to recognize adverse reactions and to provide initial treatment.
The donor center physician must provide written instructions for handling donor reactions, including a procedure for obtaining emergency medical help. Sample instructions might be as follows:
General.
Remove the tourniquet and withdraw the needle from the arm if signs of a reaction occur during the phlebotomy.
by Mohammed Abu-basha

9. 2. Fainting.
Apply cold compresses to the donor’s forehead or the back of the neck.
Place the donor on his or her back,
with their legs raised above the
level of the head.
Loosen tight clothing.
Be sure the donor has an adequate airway.
Monitor blood pressure, pulse, and respiration periodically until the donor recovers.
Note: Some donors who experience prolonged hypotension may respond to an infusion of normal saline. The decision to initiate such therapy should be made by the donor center physician
by Mohammed Abu-basha

10. 3. Nausea and vomiting. Make the donor as comfortable as possible.
Instruct the donor who is nauseated to
breathe slowly and deeply.
c. Apply cold compresses to the donor’s forehead and/or back of neck.
d. Provide a suitable receptacle if the donor vomits and have cleansing
tissues ready. Be sure the donor’s head is turned to the side because of
the danger of aspiration.
E. After vomiting has ended, give the donor some water to rinse out his
or her mouth.
by Mohammed Abu-basha

11. 4. Twitching or muscular spasms.
Extremely nervous donors may hyperventilate, causing muscular twitching or spasm of their hands or face. Donor room personnel should watch closely for these symptoms during and immediately after the phlebotomy.
Divert the donor’s attention by engaging in conversation, to interrupt the hyperventilation pattern.
Have the donor cough if he or she is symptomatic.
by Mohammed Abu-basha

12. 5. Hematoma during or after phlebotomy.
Remove the tourniquet and the needle from the donor’s arm.
Place three or four sterile gauze squares over the venipuncture site and apply firm digital pressure for 7 to 10 minutes, with the donor’s arm held above the heart level. An alternative is to apply a tight bandage, which should be removed after 7 to 10 minutes to allow inspection.
Apply ice to the area for 5 minutes.
by Mohammed Abu-basha

13. 6. Convulsions.
Call for help immediately. Prevent the donor from injuring himself or herself. During severe seizures, some people exhibit great muscular power and are difficult to restrain. If possible, hold the donor on the chair or bed; if not possible, place the donor on the floor. Try to prevent injury to the donor and to yourself.
Be sure the donor has an adequate airway.
Notify the donor center physician.
by Mohammed Abu-basha

14. 7. Serious cardiac difficulties.
Call for medical aid and/or an emergency care unit immediately.
If the donor is in cardiac arrest, begin CPR immediately and continue it until help arrives.
by Mohammed Abu-basha