How to Keep Your Donor Safe by Sarasvati Faolchú: September 10, 2002
We hope that the sanguins protect their donors as much as we expect our donors to protect us. Some of it is common sense, but these are my "Big Ten" :
1) Don't feed if you or your donor are feeling ill or run down. The immune system is not up to par and so couldn't
fight off germs it usually could.
2) Clean the area you are going to cut before feeding. This reduces the chance of introducing bacteria or virus
on the skin into the wound.
3) Sterilize the blade you use, or better yet, use a new one each time. Again, reduces the chance of introducing
bacteria into the wound.
4) Sterilize your mouth. Don't brush (this makes little cut on the gums that can allow virus or bacteria from the
donor to enter) but use a mouth wash like Listerine for AT LEAST 30 seconds. And then don't put anything in your
mouth after wards until you feed. Note, if its longer then 30 minutes between when you rinse and when you feed...
do it again!
5) Don't suck on the wound. I know its a real hard thing not to do because the temptation is really there, but don't.
It causes tissue damage below the skin, ruptures capillaries and can reduce healing time. Plus, if you rupture the
capillaries, blood flow doesn't reach the wound as well and this allows bacteria to get a foot hold and cause
infection. (Antibodies that fight infection are carried in the blood)
6) Clean the wound well afterwards. I usually have a three part process: Clean with isopropal alcohol (stings, yes,
but it is good), Slather on a layer of Neosporin or similar antimicrobial cream (they now make a Neosporin +Pain
relief that is good...take the sting out of the cut). Cover with a band aid for one to two days. After two days, remove
the bandage though, the wound will heal better if it can get some air circulation. If worried about scaring, I buy
them a little bottle of Vit E oil. Its not medically proven, but it seems to work pretty good
7) KNOW BASIC FIRST AID!!! If you are going to cut someone, dammit, know how to stop it too! Accidents happen,
don't be caught with your fangs hangin' out The Red Cross in the US typically offers community education courses for
free or cheap and are worth taking. In other countries, a similar program probably exists through doctors or
hospitals.
8) Have a good First aid kit...bandages, creams, turniquet (sp?)...anything that you think would be useful.
9) Be prepared to help should something happen due to your actions. If they wind up having to go to the doctor
due to an infection of the cut or anything related... be prepared to help in some way. After all, you are partially
responsible, so it's something to keep in mind that alot of people forget. prepare for it, even if you don't think
it would ever happen to you...
10) Keep in touch! Don't suddenly become unavailable (sanguin OR donor). If either seems to become ill a few
days after, let the other know. Though you may have been feeling fine at the time, alot of illnesses you can
shed before you show actual signs. This also allows you to make sure the wound is healing alright and catch
potential problems before they get big.