Should I donate blood?

[Anonymous]

So my school is having a blood drive tomorrow and I'm finally old enough to donate so I signed up. Problem is you have to weigh 110 pounds. I don't know how strict they are with that but I think I could pass. I usually fluctuate from 108-112 but I weighed 108 today and I'm freaking out. I'm 5'9 so I know I'm not very big. I just really want to donate. Is it worth risking?

Yes, you should risk it

Yes, You'll be fine

No, you don't weigh enough

No, don't risk it

Updates

+1 y

SUCCESS! Sort of... So I told them I was 5'8 and 113 pounds when I probably weighed 108-110 and they didn't think twice and let me in. Only thing is it took me TWENTY minutes to fill up the bag and my blood kept flowing out SOOO SLOW but it was fine. I could tell they were worried about me, but I felt completely healthy just a little tired. After, I got left with a bruise and had to wait another 20 minutes with an ice pack. Great experience would do again!

[snowangle]

Go ahead and try. If you don't meet the weight limit, they'll just thank you for coming and send you on your way. It's not a big deal. I get rejected for low iron almost every time I try to donate.

Just in case you do pass, be sure to eat a good breakfast at least an hour before your donation, and drink a ton of water.

[AynonOMouse]

I've never donated blood because I don't want to help a stranger that if I knew them, I may not like them.
I'd only ever donate if I knew the person getting it, and they were cool to me. Otherwise, they could die for all I care.
I am a little evil though. :)

[Azgeda]

Just drink a lot of water before donating to spike the weight if you're really insistent on it.

[Asker]

Thanks! I've been researching and people say that if you are underweight you could risk fainting or even anemia.

[Azgeda]

You could , that's why you should also have a big breakfast , lots of carbs , lots of iron and protein to load your body up. They're right , you will be a bit light at your head , possibly even anaemic if you are underweight but if you want to do it , that's a few things you can do to lighten the after-effects.

[Asker]

How serious is becoming anemic and am I really at risk for it. I'm definitely the lightest person to donate blood at my school.

[Azgeda]

Depends on your blood test results , honestly if you're underweight , it's a risky proposition anyhow.

[Asker]

Alright thanks so much! Hopefully I'll be okay!

[BCRanger10]

Just go in and ask them. They'll determine whether you're fit to donate or not.

[Chromekids]

The nurses will tell you if you can or can't.

[YOussefElAdl]

its healthy.

[Anonymous]

No, don't risk it