my experience is to avoid "space trips" (that's what the Red Cross phlebotomist called it) you should chug at least 0.5L of water after they take your temperature and before they stick you with the needle. They're not happy if you're drinking water from the time you arrive until they take your temperature because cool water can mask an elevated temperature.
Alternatively, make sure to hydrate like crazy for a couple hours before you donate. The phlebotomist said most space trips are the result of being dehydrated at the time you donate.
Since taking special care to hydrate, I haven't had any ill effects from donating and feel no need to stick around at the donation site long afterwards.
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ninetydegrees
a tip when giving blood..
on 2007-03-22 02:01 pm (UTC)Alternatively, make sure to hydrate like crazy for a couple hours before you donate. The phlebotomist said most space trips are the result of being dehydrated at the time you donate.
Since taking special care to hydrate, I haven't had any ill effects from donating and feel no need to stick around at the donation site long afterwards.