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The plastic bag and test tubes that dangled from Rob Garrone’s table were scanned by a palm computer which filed his donor information under a numeric code.
After insertion to the inside of the elbow, the 2 ½ inch needle steadily drained blood from Rob’s arm into a series of tubes until a pint had been gathered in the bag. As the blood flowed Rob was told to lay flat and still on the table. Within about eight minutes the deed was done.
This process was repeated with multiple students from April 13th through 15th, and to the uninformed bystander, the BCC Oak Room resembled a makeshift emergency room more than anything else. But there was nothing traumatic about the scene- the students that occupied the many stretchers were voluntarily donating blood to the American Red Cross.
Lisa Zarwadski, an Account Executive with the Red Cross Blood Service Division, was on the scene working the refreshment tables. “Our goal is to get 52 pints by the end of our time here,” she said. “We usually come to Fairfield twice a year but this is our third time so we’re hoping to get more than usual.”
The blood drive here was only one out of many drives that Zarwadski supervises in the greater Bridgeport area.
“The blood from here goes to our distribution center in Farmington, CT, then it is sent out of state for testing. … All in all, it will be about only 30 hours before the blood is available for use,” she explained.
Since Garrone entered the donation site, he was asked to read an FDA mandated guide to the procedure and was given a brief, confidential interview. During the interview, he was asked an assortment of questions regarding anything from his recent travel destinations to his sex life. It is a necessary part of the donation process designed to ensure that the donated blood will not be harmful for any possible recipient.
After the interview, all Garrone had to do was lay back and relax as a Red Cross phlebotomist (one who removes blood) disinfected the target area of his arm.
“This is my little ritual I do about every two months. I try to donate as much blood as I can,” he said.
When the bag was about three quarters full, the phlebotomist asked how he was feeling. “I feel fine. If this were a sport I’d be an Olympian,” he responded.
The donation process always ends with a review of the precautions that should be taken after losing a pint of blood to avoid health risks. Exercise and dehydration after donation can lead to fainting.
As Garrone prepared to leave, he was given free water and snacks and told what could possibly be the last thing a college student wants to hear, “For the next day, no exercise, no caffeine, and no beer.”
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