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Why Traveling Taints Your Ability to Give Blood

Traveling abroad can be such a rewarding experience, but it may come with a price; at least, when it comes to donating blood to others. In past visits to your local phlebotomy clinic, you might have noticed the lengthy questionnaire that asks about illness, prescribed medications, allergies and recent trips out of the country. Well, […]

Traveling abroad can be such a rewarding experience, but it may come with a price; at least, when it comes to donating blood to others. In past visits to your local phlebotomy clinic, you might have noticed the lengthy questionnaire that asks about illness, prescribed medications, allergies and recent trips out of the country. Well, especially with the final item in the aforementioned list, there?s a reason for this.

Traveling to certain countries can cause you to become ineligible to donate blood because of diseases you could have been exposed to during your visit. Even if you have taken the proper precautions and received all of the immunizations required for visiting a certain location, the chance of exposure is just too dangerous to risk. Trained specialists have learned in their phlebotomy classes to be aware of what diseases your body could have been exposed to, even if you didn?t get sick.

travel can affect your ability to donate blood
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Not only does where you travel restrict your ability to give blood, but also the time you were there. If you have lived in or visited any city in Europe for an extended period of time in the past 35 years, you are ineligible to donate blood because of the risk of mad cow disease. For example, taking some time to study abroad may put you at risk to never be able to donate blood again.

The reason for this precaution is that some infections and diseases acquired abroad can be transmitted through donated blood. This can have severe and sometimes even fatal consequences, as in the case of malaria, for example. You will be asked questions like: where you traveled, when you returned, how long you were there, etc. These are all relevant questions.

Most countries that are on the ?do not donate? list are at a huge risk for malaria. Visiting most countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia will inhibit your ability to donate for at least a year. Unbeknownst to most, malaria is one of the most common blood diseases around the world and is a nightmare for experts of phlebotomy and those participating in phlebotomy classes. Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites in certain countries and can be transmitted to patients. Blood donations are not tested for malaria because there is no reliable blood test that exists to detect malaria.

If you have spent an extended period of time outside of the country for military service, study abroad classes, humanitarian work, or even a simple vacation, check to make sure that you are still eligible to donate blood before you have your heart set on participating in such an act of service.

Keep in mind that phlebotomy specialists aren?t trying to insult you or accuse you of being infested with diseases, it is simply a precautionary measure to keep those in need of blood transfusions safe from diseases carried through blood.

As taught in phlebotomy classes, blood has a short shelf life and the supply needs to be stocked and restocked continuously; however they will not bother with the risk of storing and using blood that?s been exposed to life-threatening disease, so if you have traveled out of the country, be aware that you could be turned away.

Blood donation requirements are regularly updated in countries around the world, so it?s no surprise that donors are asked about their travel history every time they donate. Most people who have travelled abroad recently are able to donate, but in some cases donors may have to delay giving blood. For example, travel to areas at risk for the Chikungunya virus require travelers to wait 4 weeks after return before they can donate. Note that if they have displayed any symptoms of the Chikungunya virus infection, they must wait 6 months before donating.

For other infections (e.g., malaria and West Nile Virus), blood tests may be administered to clear the donor to give blood sooner.

Donating Blood is the Best Holiday Gift

The holiday season is in full swing. Gifts of all shapes and sizes are being swapped between friends and loved ones from Van Nuys, Calif. to all over the world. However, one of the most important gifts one can give is the gift of blood donation. Schedule a time to donate blood with the help […]

The holiday season is in full swing. Gifts of all shapes and sizes are being swapped between friends and loved ones from Van Nuys, Calif. to all over the world. However, one of the most important gifts one can give is the gift of blood donation. Schedule a time to donate blood with the help offered by a graduate of phlebotomy classes to potentially save lives around the country and the world. 62 countries around the world get 100 percent of their blood supply from voluntary, unpaid donors.

As the holiday season can be one of the busiest times of the year, people often forget to give back to those in need. A decline in donations occurs between Thanksgiving and New Year?s Day when many donors are busy with holiday errands and other activities, not to mention travel. Between travelling to and from Van Nuys, attending parties and making dinners, it may seem there?s no time to donate blood. However, as The American Red Cross reports, ?Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.? Remember that medical treatments and emergencies requiring blood don?t hold off during the holidays.

holiday blood donation
Image courtesy of U.S. Air Force

If you take the time to think about how many seconds your average holiday get-together adds up to be, it?s clear there are many who will need blood over the course of any party. By donating blood, those individuals will receive the gift of life during the holiday season, with their loved ones close by. With the assistance of those who are trained in venipuncture through phlebotomy classes, anyone can give blood and help others enjoy their holiday season.

WebMD reports, ?Donating blood even once can help save the lives of three people?? whether they be newborns needing surgery, adults who are severely injured or those with a life-threatening disease. People in every nation are seeking the help that only you can provide through donating blood. If you are already a donor, you probably know how important donating blood is. If you don?t donate, you?re not alone ? 60 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood but only 5 percent of them do.

An important concept taught in phlebotomy classes is the variety of different blood types. The Red Cross calls for people of all blood types to donate. Those who have type O negative and A negative are especially encouraged to donate because of the rarity of their blood types. Several donation centers are located in areas from Van Nuys to the eastern coasts of the Empire State for donors? convenience.

To further thank those for giving blood during an important time of the year, the Red Cross sometimes presents blood donors with special gifts, such as one year when donors were presented with a special potholder filled with unique celebrity chef recipes. The Red Cross gave these potholders to those who donated around Thanksgiving, which the organization claims to be the busiest time of November.

Give the most personal and rewarding gift to those who need it. Seek help from those who have graduated from phlebotomy classes and help save the lives of people from Van Nuys and around the country. There is no better way to spend the holidays than saving lives.

Not sure if you?re eligible? Eligibility requirements are different in each state, but generally speaking, if you are at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds, and don?t have AIDS or any other transmissible disease, you are eligible. Note that there are temporary conditions that might also disqualify you from donating temporarily, including low blood iron, problems due to high or low blood pressure, and pregnancy. Returning from recent travel abroad may also disqualify you from being able to donate.

Blood donations are needed all year round, but remember that they?re most critical during the holiday season, as that?s when hospitals and ERs typically see the most trauma.

Make Your Phlebotomist (and Yourself) Happy by Drinking Plenty of Water

Getting blood drawn is in important procedure, whether it is for blood work or a blood donation. Phlebotomy classes teach students the techniques behind drawing blood so that each blood draw is successful. While classes in focus on what they can do to make your blood draw more comfortable, there are a few things you […]

Getting blood drawn is in important procedure, whether it is for blood work or a blood donation. Phlebotomy classes teach students the techniques behind drawing blood so that each blood draw is successful. While classes in focus on what they can do to make your blood draw more comfortable, there are a few things you should do to make your life, as well as the phlebotomist?s, easier.

drink-plenty-of-water-before-you-donate-blood
Image courtesy of Flicker.com

First, most blood work procedures will require that you abstain from eating for about twelve hours before you get your blood drawn. It is important that you do this. Classes can teach how to draw blood, but they can?t change the fact that food can alter a blood test?s results. Drinking water before you get your blood drawn is equally important, too.

If you walk into a blood bank without drinking lots of water before, everyone involved will have a harder time. The more water you drink, the plumper your veins are. This makes it easier for the phlebotomist to find your vein. Phlebotomy classes teach students how to draw blood from veins that aren?t as plump, but more water means less time donating.

Why is hydration so important when donating blood? Maintaining hydration is critical not only for your physical well-being day to day, but also for your mental wellness too. And as long as you?re staying hydrated, why not ditch the soda and other caffeinated beverages? They contain no nutritional value, and can dehydrate you.

According to an article from U.S. News? Health and Wellness section, a good rule of thumb if you aren?t sure how much water you should drink each day, is as follows:

The basic equation for determining this is by dividing your body weight in half. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, you would need 100 ounces of water per day, if you?re not doing anything strenuous. If you?re working out, hiking, at a high altitude, or outdoors a great deal, you?re going to need to add to those 100 ounces.

Another reason dehydration is bad for the blood donation experience, as that it will thicken your blood and lower your blood pressure. Phlebotomy classes from know that lower blood pressure is often better, but this isn?t always the case. If your blood pressure is lower, you have a higher chance of fainting during your procedure, which can make it harder for your body to recover from the procedure. When your blood thickens, it?s harder for the phlebotomy specialist to puncture the vein and draw blood.

It?s important to note, though, that some procedures require that you don?t drink water before getting blood drawn. This is generally the case for blood tests and surgeries. If your phlebotomy specialist says it is OK to drink water before getting blood drawn, try to drink the recommended daily amount of water, which is 64 ounces. Before you donate, drink a glass of water that?s about 16 ounces.

Although getting your blood drawn can be stressful, it doesn?t have to be. First, ensure you drink enough water before your procedure, if you?re allowed to do so, in order to reduce the difficulty of blood drawing. Next, try to take deep breaths during your donation and feel free to speak with the phlebotomist before, during, and after your procedure about any concerns you may have.

A couple more tips to help you have a better experience donating blood:

  • Avoid alcohol of any type for a full 24 hours before your donation
  • Get plenty of sleep the night before

Afterward:

  • If you feel dizzy at all after donating, lie down or sit down with your head between your knees at least until the dizziness passes
  • Drink plenty of fluid (more than you normally would) for the following four hours
  • Eat a light meal
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
  • Keep your venipuncture site clean and dry (the bandage can be removed after a few hours)
  • If there is any bleeding when you remove the bandage, raise your arm and apply some pressure to your inner bicep.
  • If you continue feeling unwell, it may be a good idea to consult with a physician

Phlebotomy or Phlebotomoney?

The healthcare field is ever trending upward, with several opportunities for career growth. Many people choose the healthcare field specifically because of these career opportunities, and many, like you, choose to begin their careers as a phlebotomist. In order to become certified in phlebotomy, an individual must take several classes. Once you are certified, your […]

The healthcare field is ever trending upward, with several opportunities for career growth. Many people choose the healthcare field specifically because of these career opportunities, and many, like you, choose to begin their careers as a phlebotomist.

In order to become certified in phlebotomy, an individual must take several classes. Once you are certified, your career choices don?t stop at being a phlebotomist. There are several other career paths you may choose if your interest in phlebotomy grows after you get certified.

phlebotomy-careers
Image courtesy of Wikipedia.com

Let?s say you have just finished your phlebotomy certification. Your next step may be considering some career path options that involve what you?ve learned in your classes. Some career paths of phlebotomy-certified individuals include: nursing, medical assisting, physician assisting, EKG technician, and medical lab tech. The salaries of these careers range between $29,000 and $100,000 a year. Keep in mind that each of these career options beyond phlebotomy requires more classes and sometimes more schooling.

Even though these possible career moves require more education and/or licensure, your employer may be willing to help cover the costs since you will become more valuable and marketable with your increased training. Also, since you will already be a phlebotomy technician, you can work and earn a good income while attending school, which will save you from a lot of student loan debt.

Let?s take a look at some of your options out there:

If an individual decides to stay focused on the isolated subject and become a phlebotomist, the average salary for a phlebotomist is $31,410 a year. This isn?t the highest paying phlebotomy related career, but it?s not the lowest either. The average phlebotomist salary in the United States is $33,424 as of October 31, 2018, and the range typically falls between $30,106 and $37,337 (The average phlebotomist salary in California is $36,473 as of September 28, 2018, and the range typically falls between $32,849 and $40,740) according to Salary.com

Medical Assistant. A career as a medical assistant is another option for individuals certified in phlebotomy. Medical assistants commonly work in various offices, such as physicians? offices. Medical assistants make an average of about $29,370 a year. This is just slightly less than a phlebotomist makes, but the duties of a medical assistant are more versatile than that of a phlebotomist.

EKG (electrocardiograph) Technician. EKG tech careers focus on the study of cardiology. The duties of an EKG technician include performing stress tests, recording EKG readings and then providing EKG test data to physicians. The average salary of an EKG technician is just under $50,000 a year.

Medical lab Technician. Medical lab techs work in a laboratory. They draw blood, and are also able to analyze the blood to help diagnose patients. Medical lab technicians require an associate?s degree or certificate program to get their licenses. Because of your phlebotomist experience, your classes will be easier and you will be able to enhance your resume. As of October 31, 2018, an average medical lab technician salary was $51,315, and the range typically falls between $45,947 and $56,350.

Nursing. Another high-paying career involving phlebotomy is nursing (LPN or RN). If an individual pursues taking classes at nursing school after a series of classes to launch a nursing career, he or she should expect to be making a salary of around $68,910 a year. Nursing requires much more schooling and more duties. Becoming an LPN takes one to two years, while becoming an RN takes two to three years. Both programs are demanding, but again, your experience from being a phlebotomist will come in handy with your coursework.

Physician?s Assistant. The highest paying career involving phlebotomy is a physician?s assistant. Physician?s assistants earn about $90,930 a year. Becoming a physician?s assistant requires much more schooling than the careers mentioned previously. This required schooling includes earning a specialized degree. Duties of a physician?s assistant include examining and treating patients, practicing medicine on a team under a physician or surgeon?s supervision and much more.

Those are just a few options. As you can see, with every career possibility there is an opportunity cost. No matter what the opportunity cost, you can rest assured that there is a career best suited for everyone certified in phlebotomy looking for the next step to take.

How the American Red Cross is Helping Phlebotomists Continue Their Education

Ever wondered what the word ?success? stands for? For phlebotomists and other hospital laboratory professionals in the Van Nuys area, success represents: a Series of Unique, Creative Continuing Education Self-Study programs (SUCCESS), thanks to the American Red Cross. In phlebotomy courses, students interested in working in a blood bank can learn all about blood donations, the transfusion […]

Ever wondered what the word ?success? stands for? For phlebotomists and other hospital laboratory professionals in the Van Nuys area, success represents: a Series of Unique, Creative Continuing Education Self-Study programs (SUCCESS), thanks to the American Red Cross. In phlebotomy courses, students interested in working in a blood bank can learn all about blood donations, the transfusion process and how to treat donors properly and respectfully.

The SUCCESS website offers online courses to hospital laboratory professionals and physicians. These courses cover many areas of: immunohematology, blood banking, and transfusion medicine, and they have been developed with the expertise of thought leaders and influencers in the medical community. Individuals will receive CEU (Continuing Education Unit) credits or CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits for successful completion of the study programs.?In phlebotomy courses, students are able to learn about these topics, but it is always a great idea to keep learning?even after graduation and certification.

American Red Cross helps phlebotomists get education
Image courtesy of American Red Cross

American Red Cross Biomedical Services is delighted to share expertise through the SUCCESS program to promote better patient outcomes and scientific advancements in the fields of blood banking and transfusion medicine.

Surely, anyone working in the medical field or in hospital settings needs to stay up to date on the latest trends and research discoveries, as well as maintain their certification. Phlebotomists are no different?hospital employees in Van Nuys and elsewhere are generally required to take annual recertification courses to make sure they retain their learned skills and knowledge. Upon completion of phlebotomy courses, students are ready for real-world experience in a blood donation center.

However, many phlebotomists struggle to stay current on all the scientific breakthroughs and blood news. This is one of the very reasons why the American Red Cross developed its SUCCESS program. Their online study program offers classes to hospital laboratory professionals and physicians across the nation. The American Red Cross says that the goal of this program is to deliver high-quality educational programs that promote integration, partnership and innovation on all blood-related aspects.

The SUCCESS program is particularly useful for phlebotomists working in blood donation centers in Van Nuys and elsewhere.

As of now, the SUCCESS courses are only available to employees working at hospitals served by the American Red Cross. To access the course content, those interested and eligible need to first set up an account on the SUCCESS website. When your account is created, you can download and review course materials, then complete a short Post-Test to receive SUCCESS™ CEU or CME AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. You can even track your completed courses on the site!

In the future, the program may be accessible to medical professionals and phlebotomists working in any hospital. For now, however, anyone in Van Nuys can check out the course catalogs. As the program expands over the coming years, the American Red Cross hopes to cover even more topics and offer more classes.

A lot of people in the world aspire to continue learning. In phlebotomy courses, students are given the essential tools to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry. Without a doubt, students are encouraged to expand upon their learned skills. With the help of the SUCCESS program, phlebotomists and medical professionals everywhere can continue learning.

If you work at a hospital or medical facility served by American Red Cross Blood Services, contact your account representative for promotions and special discounts on our educational programs!

The curriculum will continue to grow over time. If you have a suggestion for additional courses and ways to enhance the program, you are always welcome to share!

Check out one of the newest courses available now! ?The P Blood Group and Unexpected Anti-PP1Pk in an Eleven Week Old Infant.? This learning is available for CEU, CME and SAM credit.