Does Giving Blood Hurt?

Just about no one who donates blood asks the question "Will this hurt?" People who have decided to give this gift of life have usually made up their minds that they will go through the process even if there is a little pain.

But because it's only reasonable to wonder whether giving blood hurts and you're not going to get the answer to this question before your first donation, we'll give an answer here. Giving blood doesn't hurt very much, or very long.

Donor blood is collected with a 16- or 17-gauge needle. This is about the same size needle used for body piercing. The needle has to be relatively large to keep from compacting and tearing red blood cells as they pass through.

The insertion of the needle, which usually takes less than a minute, is the only part of the blood donation process that hurts. The phlebotomy nurse has to run the needle under the skin, and it is possible to encounter a valve. The nurse cannot force the needle through a valve, because injuring the valve would cause blood to pool in the vein later. Once in a while, the nurse or phlebotomist has to poke your twice, but staying calm, being brave, and allowing the nurse to find the right vein will make this problem a lot less likely.

Prospective blood donors often have other questions, too, so let's keep going.

How much blood will I give? Is there any danger of not leaving me enough?

Blood donation usually involves the withdrawal of 250 to 500 ml of blood. That is the equivalent of 1 to 2 cups. Outside the USA and Canada, most blood donors give only 200 to 250 ml of blood each time, but in North America, larger blood donations are more common. Since the adult body usually contains about 5 liters (20 cups) of blood, the relatively small amount of blood drawn during blood donation causes no shortages in your own body.

Will giving blood leave me with a bruise?

Applying pressure on the puncture site for a minute or two after the needle is withdrawn, with the application of a bandage to be kept on the skin at least a few hours, will prevent the formation of bruises.

I can't stand the sight of blood. Can I give blood?

Here's a hint: You don't have to watch. Many people who give blood don't want to watch the process, so they just close their eyes until it is over. You could also read a magazine or play with your phone while your blood is taken.

Will I get paid for donating blood?

In English-speaking countries, you are sometimes paid for donating plasma, but by and large your pay for donating blood is the satisfaction of helping save a life — maybe your own. In other parts of the world, blood donation may be paid, but blood donors give less blood less often.

How soon can I give blood again!?

Usually blood donors are asked to wait 56 days (8 weeks) before donating blood again, to give the body ample time to recover.

Thank you for giving blood. Donating blood is one way most people can save a life.