Thank you for donating! After giving blood:
Drink plenty of decaffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids. 
Eat a full meal at your next mealtime.
Leave the bandage in place for 4 hours; if the needle site starts to bleed, immediately apply firm pressure for 5-10 minutes.
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise: weightlifters should wait 2-3 days before resuming a regular work-out.
Lie down or sit with your head between your knees.
Avoid activities that may be hazardous if you feel dizzy.
Apply a cold pack or ice to the area 2-3 times the first day.
If your arm is still sore the next day, apply heat for 10 minutes 2-3 times during the day.
The bruise will change colors over the next week to 10 days.
develop a bruise larger than 2-3 inches in diameter,
have swelling, pain, numbness, or redness in the arm where the needle was, please call the Blood and Tissue Center at (512) 206-1266.
If you become ill in the next 2 weeks (particularly flu-like symptoms that include fever) after giving blood, please call (512) 206-1136.
If you are diagnosed with a serious illness (such as SARS, West Nile virus, hepatitis, or cancer), please call (512) 206-1136.
If you become aware of a SARS exposure that occurred within 14 days prior to your blood donation, please call (512) 206-1136.
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