Octopus Overlords

When blood clots during a blood donation, it typically means that the blood is beginning to coagulate before it can be collected. This can occur for several reasons:

Anticoagulant Issues: Blood donation centers usually use anticoagulants (like citrate) in the collection bag to prevent clotting. If these are not mixed properly or if there is a problem with the anticoagulant, clotting can occur.
Vascular Response: The body may initiate the clotting process in response to the needle puncture or injury to the blood vessel. This is a natural physiological response to prevent blood loss.
Improper Technique: If the needle is not positioned correctly or if there is excessive movement during the donation, it can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to clotting.
Dehydration or Low Blood Volume: If the donor is dehydrated or has low blood volume, the blood may be thicker and more prone to clotting.
Underlying Conditions: Certain medical conditions or medications can affect how blood clots, potentially leading to clotting during donation.

If this happens, the blood donation center will usually stop the donation process and may advise you to consult a healthcare professional to ensure there are no underlying issues. It’s important to notify the staff immediately if you notice any unusual signs during the donation.

Kraken wrote: Thu Jan 02, 2025 11:09 pm I was a regular donor for years. One pint short of my 4-gallon pin, I had a bad experience that put me off ever going back and still makes me leery of blood draws today. My often-tapped vein had apparently developed a kink. They had to fish around to find it, were sloppy about tapping it when they did pin it down, and the session ended in pain and bleeding and bruising. I still encourage others to donate but regrettably can't do it myself anymore.

Punisher wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2025 3:24 pm

Kraken wrote: Thu Jan 02, 2025 11:09 pm I was a regular donor for years. One pint short of my 4-gallon pin, I had a bad experience that put me off ever going back and still makes me leery of blood draws today. My often-tapped vein had apparently developed a kink. They had to fish around to find it, were sloppy about tapping it when they did pin it down, and the session ended in pain and bleeding and bruising. I still encourage others to donate but regrettably can't do it myself anymore.

I've apparently got difficult veins.
Blood work or or IVs means a digging expedition.
I recently picked up a vein finder but keep forgetting to bring it.

Daehawk wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2025 11:25 pm I stopped donated when they wouldn't stop begging me all the time to come in an donate. Got annoyed . I have A- and they really wanted it.

Smoove_B wrote: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:22 pm Good grief!

One time - once - I had a tech puncture my vein while taking blood for a test. He put the needle in my arm, missed and then proceeded to just "wiggle" the needle around until it was in the right position. I do not have a fear of needles but that was the only time I almost punched someone because of the discomfort.

Regardless, it ultimately ended up giving me a bruise about the size of an orange - nothing even close to that. I'm going to assume you don't have any fever or other symptoms at this point?

Scuzz wrote: Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:29 pm I did have a tech take a half dozen tries to get a tube in the back of my wrist before a minor surgery once. Finally another nurse took over and got it right the first try.

Smoove_B wrote: Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:35 pm

Scuzz wrote: Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:29 pm I did have a tech take a half dozen tries to get a tube in the back of my wrist before a minor surgery once. Finally another nurse took over and got it right the first try.

I guess it's a skill like anything else. He was complaining about my "difficult veins" and maybe I was just dehydrated or something. Meanwhile, I can't stop thinking about the woman that took my blood early last year. She put her hand on the inside of my elbow and just sort of whispered, "Oh, you have such beautiful veins..." before sliding the needle in. I haven't seen her again and I genuinely think she was a vampire.

Isgrimnur wrote: Mon Jan 06, 2025 1:33 am Thus pushing washable ink directly into your bloodstream.

McNutt wrote: Mon Jan 06, 2025 1:44 pm It's just a bruise. I'm still alive...

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