The first donation takes place at the Blood Transfusion Centre. At this occasion, a first blood sample will be taken to conduct preliminary analysis. You will then meet a doctor who will ask you a few questions and explain the different steps of the donation and ensure that the donation can be made without risk for the donor or the recipient.
You should never fast before a donation. Eat normally and keep well hydrated. Snacks and drinks are at your disposal at the blood collection site. On the day of the collection, avoid sports (before and after) and the sauna. Get some rest before setting off again – and enjoy a refreshment in the cafeteria.
Download a questionnaire for the first blood donation by clicking on the button below:
Questionnaire for the first blood donationAt the reception desk of the Blood Transfusion Centre, a new donor will have to answer a few questions and will be issued various documents:
A sample is taken to ascertain that there are enough red blood cells in the blood.
The new donor completes the questionnaire in the waiting room before handing it to the doctor during the interview.
The new donor is interviewed by a doctor who will check with him or her whether the donation is authorized on the basis of the answers to the questionnaire.
The donation acceptance criteria are based on international guidelines for transfusion medicine, European directives and the national legislation in force.
They are reviewed regularly and ensure:
The interview with the doctor may lead to a:
During this first appointment, the new donor has the opportunity to ask any questions he or she deems useful and to obtain all the necessary information before signing the afore-completed questionnaire.