Say Goodbye to Fainting When Donating Blood

Say Goodbye to Fainting When Donating with Applied Muscle Tension

Are you a first-time donor and worried about fainting during your blood donation? Have you donated before and felt faint during the donation process? Some donors deal with uncomfortable symptoms like feeling dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous. These symptoms are often caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, known as a vasovagal reaction. Some studies suggest that a series of simple exercises, called applied muscle tension (AMT), can reduce these symptoms.

What Is Applied Muscle Tension (AMT)?

Applied Muscle Tension (AMT) is a simple technique of tensing and relaxing large muscles to help normalize blood pressure and maintain healthy blood flow to your brain. AMT reduces the chance of fainting or pre-faint symptoms by up to 83%, making your donation safer and more comfortable.

When to Use AMT

• Use AMT during these key moments:
• Before the needle goes in
• During your donation if you feel lightheaded or dizzy
• Before the needle comes out
• Before standing up after donation
• Anytime you feel faint or unwell, even later in the day

You can also start AMT anytime symptoms begin, even later in your recovery period or after leaving the donation site.

How to Perform AMT

Try one or more of these exercises:

1. Cross your legs and squeeze your inner thighs or knees together.
2. Tighten your abdominal muscles.
3. If you cannot cross your legs, tighten your glutes (buttocks), or quads (muscles above the knees).
4. Point and flex your feet.
5. Hold for 5 seconds, relax for 5 seconds, and repeat several times.

Just remember to squeeze something!

Expectations & Effectiveness 

AMT works by counteracting the temporary drop in blood pressure that sometimes occurs during blood donation. While it may not eliminate all symptoms, it significantly lowers the risk of fainting.

After Donation & Later in the Day

Even after a successful donation, some people may feel lightheaded later in the day. If this happens:

• Sit or lie down and elevate your feet or pull over safely if driving.
• Perform AMT (tighten and release large muscle groups) or try calf raises.
• Hold for 5 seconds, relax for 5 seconds, and repeat several times.

These simple exercises can increase a donor’s blood pressure within two to three seconds and help prevent the occurrence of vasovagal symptoms. In addition to using this technique when the needle is going in or coming out, you can start AMT anytime you begin to experience symptoms.

The American Red Cross strives to make each donation appointment a pleasant experience so that you’re excited to schedule again. AMT offers a way to minimize unwanted symptoms, creating a less stressful donation.

If you’re worried about fainting during the donation process, you aren’t alone. Check out Ava Arteaga’s story about donating for the first time. 

Ready to donate blood?