When you donate plasma via whole blood, you must wait at least eight weeks before giving again. She suggested that I start drinking Powerade or Gatorade at least 48 hours before donating blood, as the salt in those drinks can help expand small veins like mine. There are tips for making veins pop out when taking blood. Donating blood, plasma or platelets in Australia is very safe. My vein had collapsed, blocking the blood flow. OP: Why can’t I drink caffeine before donating blood? • Avoid fatty, oily or greasy meals before your donation, as these could affect the quality of your plasma. Make sure you have plenty of H2O in the 12 hours before and after your donation. Avoid drinks such as coffee, tea or alcohol as they can dehydrate you. ... You can always donate plasma another day when you feel better. One thing to avoid before donating: caffeine. DON’T: Drink alcohol for 24 hours before donating. Drink 6 to 8 cups of water or juice the day before and day of your donation. Answered by Dr. Michael Dugan: Caffeine is a : Diuretic (makes you urinate more). Drinking caffeinated beverages; coffee/soda/tea, before your donation will cause your plasma to be thicker because of this lack of fluid, and therefore, making your donation take longer, and in some cases, more painful. BEFORE YOUR PLASMA DONATION:. Plasma, the fluid part, goes back to normal within 24 hours, and you can boost it by drinking extra fluids over two days. Consume iron … It's recommended that you drink extra fluids (water and juices) for a couple of days prior. If you’re a phlebotomist who has encountered this problem before, you know how frustrating it can be. Remember, although donating plasma is low-risk and has minimal or no side effects, you should see a doctor if you don’t feel well before or after you donate. Limit drinks that reduce iron absorption such as coffee, tea, and milk. It’s your job to make sure the patient is as comfortable as possible as you take blood, and that can be difficult to do when you can’t find a usable vein. Platelets recover back to normal within 72 hours, while red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body recover within three to six weeks. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning that it causes the body to flush out fluids and dehydrate faster than normal. You need to be sure you are sufficiently hydrated when you donate blood. Drink lots of water before donating on your plasma donation day; Eat a healthy meal within two hours of your visit; Avoid foods high in fat or cholesterol; Don't use tobacco for an hour before donating; Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and on your plasma donation day; Avoid strenuous exercise an hour before plasma donation; Get a good night's sleep before you donate Before donating blood, just keep in mind to drink lots of fluids more than you normally drink on the day that you plan to donate your blood. Before you donate plasma. You don’t have to cut them out completely but reduce your intake. "why can't you drink coffee after donating plasma & what are the effects if you do?" Because of that, I wasn't able to donate that day. You can make it even safer and easier by making sure you’re healthy and have plenty to eat and drink before and after.You may not be able to donate, if on the day you have: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood - Call 13 14 95 today to donate … That said, if you donate plasma only, you can actually give up to twice a week. Before and After Donating Plasma • Drink plenty of fluids the day of, such as water or juice and have a healthy breakfast. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, making it difficult for you to donate. More than 38,000 blood donations of all kinds are needed in the United States every day, according to the American Red Cross, and it is particularly looking for healthy volunteers like athletes. 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