What if donating blood makes me nervous?
Donating blood can sometimes make you feel nervous or even scared. For example, fear of needles and injections is a very common fear. This may be due to a previous unsuccessful blood sample experience.
The most common, yet still rare, side effects of blood donation are nausea (15/1000) and fainting (1.5/1000). Nausea and dizziness can be prevented by drinking enough fluids and avoiding physical activity, sauna use, and standing still for long periods on the donation day.
Bruising may occur on the skin after blood donation. Usually, the bruise heals on its own within a week and doesn’t require special treatment. The formation of bruises can be alleviated by pressing on the puncture site with your fingers for a couple of minutes after donation and avoiding straining the arm that was used for the donation.
You can read more about the safety of blood donation here.
Blood donation should not be painful. The needle insertion may be briefly felt. If you feel unwell or if the needle feels uncomfortable during donation, you should inform the nurse immediately. Blood donation can be interrupted at any time upon request, and you do not need to explain your decision.
Before donating blood, you will fill out a health questionnaire, and there will be a short conversation with the nurse on site. The health information provided is always confidential. The conversation with the nurse will also take place in a private space, even in the blood donation bus.