Why do I donate blood? When you donate blood they give you a mini physical where they check your iron, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature before you donate. Sometimes you can be deferred by just one of these factors which gives you an idea if your blood pressure is a little high which can be a warning sign for other issues down the line for your health.
After you donate your blood is tested for Cholesterol, HIV 1 and 2, West Nile Virus, Syphillis, Hep B and C, Cruzi, Chagas, and Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus 1 and 2. When you login to OneBlood it keeps a record of your previous cholesterol readings which can help you determine if lifestyles choices you made since your last donation have contributed to lowering or increasing your cholesterol.
An interesting study suggests that the donation of blood (and in turn the removal of some iron) contributes to fewer heart attacks. So by rolling up your sleeve you can be saving as many as three lives and maybe even your own.
To look for a blood drive in your area, click here.
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