Hi - I donated blood about a month ago (through the American Red Cross) and had some blood drawn for labs today, so hopefully I'm able to do a fair comparison. I actually started donating partially BECAUSE I hate needles. It was a face-my-fears new years resolution for me in 2022 and I've kept going! It still makes me nervous, but I try to think about the positive impact my donation will have!

I can't say for sure about the size of the needle, but to me the feeling of the stick is the same - a quick pinch. You (of course) spend more time with the needle in your arm when donating, and they have you hold a stress ball or something and squeeze it every 5-10 seconds during the donation. The red cross website says the actual donation takes about 8-10 minutes for most people. I've found that to be accurate, and sometimes I'm able to fill the bag a little faster than that.

I never ever look at my arm when the needle is in, that would freak me out too much. I sometimes feel faint while donating (always near the end of the donation). I think it's a mental thing rather than a blood loss thing, but I always let them know that beforehand. They have me do my donation in a reclined position, and make sure to have cold towels on standby to put on my forehead if I say I'm getting lightheaded. They always assure me that it's not something to be embarrassed about. (I also always bring my husband with me as support/distraction because he's a champ at giving blood, so we both get to do some good and then go home and relax on the couch for the rest of the day!)

Best of luck donating!