Side Effects from Blood Donation

[money]

I donated a pint of blood (http://www.bloodsource.org)last week and have developed a rash near the spot the needle was at on my arm. It has spread slightly and is an itchy type rash sort of like a case of poison oak. Been using Cortizone cream to combat the itch and it has helped clear up the rash slightly. No other systems so it seems like an exterior type rash, but who knows?? Blood poisoning crossed my mind, but unlikely scenario I would assume. However, I am concerned since the rash has lasted a week. Also, the nurse used a wipey type cloth that she opened in front of me (steril package) to clean my arm prior to the needle puncture. It was rough when she scrubbed my arm and rubbed my arm a bit raw. Maybe the rash is from that? I've donated a lot prior to this and this is the first time I have seen this wipey type of sterilizer. Anyone have thoughts? I feel good and have been active with no loss of energy, just perplexed on the rash.

[Shan Xue]

could it be bruises rather than rashes? rashes can also be possible due to nerve irritation.

i have two rather bad bruises from donation. in one case, the bruises stretches more than 30 cm long. my arm is painful. after 1 week, i go and see a doctor. the doctor gave me some medicine to clear up the clot and tell me to take more vitamin C. the bruise clear up within a few days after taking the medicine.

the second time i got a bad bruise, i apply chinese medicine plaster. the plaster is rather effective in clearing up the bruise.

bruises are rare. i think one case of bad bruises happened when i am donating platelets and the returned rate was set at 120. too high for my veins to take. should be 90.

another case happened when i used my left arm to donate which veins are rather small. i usually donate using my right arm and thought of having a change but did not expect to get a bruise.

despite that, i would say that bruises are rare and seldom occur.


Q. Will I suffer bruising?
Sometimes bruises develop but most are small and fade within a few days. Bruises are not usually serious and are caused by seepage of blood from the vein into the tissues of the arm. To help stop bruises developing you should, if possible, avoid heavy lifting or manual work with your donor arm for at least two hours after donation. If bleeding starts again, stop it by pressing firmly on the area for a few minutes. Occasionally, bruising may be severe or become painful. If this happens, you should contact the Welsh Blood Service for advice or see your GP. Very infrequently, inserting the needle may cause inflammation of your arm or irritation of a nerve. Our staff are fully trained to recognise these rare complications and you will be given immediate treatment and appropriate advice. If these occur after you have left the session, you should contact the WBS for advice or see your GP.

http://www.welsh-blood.org.uk/English/FAQS/faq.asp

[money]

Definately not a bruise, it's 100% a rash. Any thoughts?

[Shan Xue]

i think your rashes is caused by the rubbing. your blood bank should be able to provide free medical advice.

[evehow]

You could be allergic to the swab used.

[DrStoooopid]

possible causes for reaction at venipuncture site.

1. You may be allergic to the iodine/betadine swab used in the 2-step cleansing method.

Solution: Next time you donate, ask them to use the alternative swab (should be something called Chloroprep, or similar)...if that isn't available, an alcohol swab can be used.

2. They area wasn't cleaned properly.

Solution: keep the venipuncture site clean, and use antibiotic to help the site heal. Contact the centre you donated and let them know.

3. The area WAS cleaned properly, but the technician didn't follow proper proceedure.
Solution: again, follow the steps for number 2, including contacting the centre you donated. It could've been something that was completely innocent, the tech could've accidentally touched the site before the venipuncture was performed. We're all human, sometimes we make mistakes, I've done it....

At any rate, it's nothing serious, just make sure you take care of the site so that it can heal properly, and we'll see you in 56 days.