r/plassing•
dahhhlin

Anyone consistently deferred from issues with blood pressure cuff/pulse rate?

Question

I tried to donate at BioLife, missed half the new donor promotion due to high pulse. When successfully passed that step, donation is fine.
But BioLife had my anxiety on high every time due to the amount of people and standing in line for hours.

Switched to Biomat/Grifols and first donation was a breeze. They told me to try and come back due to me being done in under 30 minutes.

I’m not sure what the person did that day but yesterday - the person took my blood pressure 3 times before she told me to sit and wait. Then after 10 minutes, much like experience at BioLife - my pressure and pulse is even higher. Came back today and same experience.

I know I have big upper arms and at BioLife the successful donations were when they used the XL Long cuff.

I have historically low blood pressure (110s/70s max ) despite my weight and BMI, my high blood pressure is what is considered the norm for adults. Heart rate/pulse is typically great too. I’ve lost over 50 lbs and walking more and more so my resting heart rate is typically in the 60s again.

What can I do? I’m tired of going over and over to be deferred. BioLife ended up flagging me and asked if I have a heart problem lol. I want to avoid the same with Biomat/Grifols.

Does Biomat/Grifols not have the XL Long? Do I just need to not donate until I’ve lost more weight/inches? I wish to donate more since they said I donate well.

Posted Jul 6, 2026, 1:25 PM UTC

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