Further information for blood donors::

• All need to have an interview where health questionnaire and blood pressure and pulse are evaluated. It is very important to inform the Blood bank staff regarding f.ex. use of medicine, illness, disease, surgery or travels. See further: Donor eligibility

• Blood screening in the Blood bank is as follows: Blood type, status-, red / white cells, platelets, ferritin level, red cell antibodies and screening for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B / C.

• General good health is important and all is advised to eat and drink well, 1-2 hours before blood donation.

• Physical training or swimming is not advised the day of blood donation, to decrease the risk of dehydration and excessive strain of the body.

• The blood donation itself takes about 5 - 8 minutes and 455 ml, plus samples are taken. Each visit takes about 30-40 minutes.

• Donors that have not donated in the past 5 years or have received blood / been pregnant, need blood sampling or new registration.

• For those who have hazardous occupation / hobbies, we advise to wait at least 12 hours before going back to work - hobby. Here under is f. ex. flight crew, divers and professional drivers.

• Individual not born / raised in Iceland, can become a blood donor 3 months after moving to Iceland if moving from: Australia, United states, Europe, Canada or New-Zealand. Individual from other countries can donate blood 6 months after moving to Iceland and blood donor rules regarding traveling allow.

• Regular donor, 65 years old and older, can continue to donate blood and blood components, if in good health, and / or has donated blood in the past 5 years. Donor need to answer an extra health questionnaire once a year.

• Donor that turns 70 years old, can donate until 71st birthday.

• Woman / transwoman can donate blood every 4 months, as long as blood levels are within range.

• Karlman / transman can donate blood every 3 months, as long as blood levels are within range.
  
  You can change your mind and withdraw from donating blood at any time without giving a reason.
  Blood bank staff are bound by duty of confidentiality and all information is treated confidentially.
  

After blood donation:

• Leave bandage on for 4-6 hours to prevent infection.

• We advise all to have refreshments before leaving the Blood Bank and drink / eat well for the rest of the day.

• We advise not to put strain on donation arm for the first few hours after blood donation, to minimize possible bleeding or bruise.

• We advise less strain on the day of blood donation. We don´t recommend f.ex heavy training / work, swimming / steam bath or mountain climbing on the day of donation.

• If you experience side effects or complications after the blood donation, please contact the Blood bank

• If you get sick (fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhea within 14 days from blood donation, please contact the Blood Bank.