What should I focus on if I want to donate blood?

Make sure you aren’t Anemic and maintain a healthy iron level!

Well cause my sister tried donating last year and they said her iron was low.

Eat lots of almonds or raisins, for iron, before you donate. I have only had them tell me that my iron was too low once when donating blood. So, as long as you eat healthy, you should be fine. I’m not sure if they let people under 18 donate though. Also, if you live in the US, and have traveled to other countries, you may want to check their website first. There are a lot of countries listed that if you’ve visited them at all, that you can’t donate blood in the US. You shouldn’t be worried about a rare blood type.

Well my school has a program every year and seniors and juniors can donate blood. Most of them are not 18.

I didn’t know that. That is cool that your school does that. :D Good for you for wanting to donate!

How to get to the blood bank- that’s about it, they (and your body) will take care of the rest…

And I was born in a country outside the US.

Make aure you eat healthy. And stay away from anathing thay can make it dirty, lime drug.s and stuff. Also try to eat a lot of celery, it helps with cleaning out your blood.

Watch out for the people who test your iron. Research the level it should be and ask your number once they test before they take blood. The first and only time I donated blood, my iron was 3 points too low & the tech let me donate. I wasn’t knowledgable about iron levels nor did I know I would later learn I was anemic. I was sick for weeks. I had to get a blood transfusion, and it was a terrible experience. I passed out in the donating chair and vomited on myself while unconscious. Anemia is scary. Do your research! :)

I’m not sure what company you’re getting it done through, and if all the companies have to follow the same rules. I donate through the Red Cross. There are many countries listed that if you’ve been to in the last five or ten years, you can’t donate. And, of course, many that aren’t even on the list. If they don’t ask, then it probably doesn’t matter. If they do, just be honest and hopefully the country you were born in isn’t on the list. :)

Iron levels are rarely a problem with men. Do not do druugs, or if you do, inform them of which legal ones you take. If you are sexually active - and at 15 I hope you aren’t - make sure that you use protection to guard against STDs that might disqualify you.

A rare blood type is NOT a hindrance, but if it is excessively rare, they may request that instead of donating a pint at a random time, you put yourself on a Call List and they will contact you when they have a need for your specific type.

Glad you are thinking of donating. I find it very rewarding. Good Luck!!