This topic will help you learn about blood donation and how to prepare for it.
What is the blood donation procedure?
Blood donation is a voluntary procedure that helps save lives.
There are several types of blood donation, including:
- Whole blood donation.
- Platelet donation.
- Red blood cell donation.
- Plasma donation.
When is blood donation performed?
Blood donation is performed as a voluntary procedure to meet the needs of medical entities in assisting patients who suffer from tumors, have lost large amounts of blood, have certain types of blood diseases, or are about to undergo surgical operations.
Individuals can donate blood when the following conditions are met, which may vary from one country to another:
- Age: Between 18 and 65 years old.
- Weight: At least 50 kg.
- Pulse: Between 50-100 beats per minute.
- Temperature: Not exceeding 37 degrees Celsius.
- Blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mm Hg.
- Donors should have a hemoglobin level of no less than 12.5 g/dL, but not more than 20 g/dL.
- If you have a tattoo or body piercing, you cannot donate for 6 months from the date of the procedure. If the body piercing was done by a registered healthcare professional and any inflammation has fully healed, you can donate blood after 12 hours.
- Traveling to areas with endemic infections, such as malaria may lead to a temporary deferral from donating.
- Blood donation is not recommended during breastfeeding and within the first three months after stopping breastfeeding.
- You cannot donate if you have symptoms of an active infection such as fever, sore throat, or a cold.
- You cannot donate if you are infected with contagious diseases like hepatitis (B – C), syphilis, and malaria.
- You cannot donate if you are infected with HIV (AIDS).
- You cannot donate if you have had a sexual relationship without knowing the other party's health status regarding sexually transmitted diseases without protective measures in the last 12 months.
- You cannot donate if you have hereditary blood disorders, or suffer from severe anemia.
- You cannot donate if you have previously used injectable drugs.
- You cannot donate if you are taking certain medications such as Isotretinoin used for acne.
How do you prepare for blood donation?
- Drink an additional 16 ounces of water, equivalent to two cups of water before your appointment.
- Eat a healthy meal.
- Wear a short-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.
- Inform the doctor about any medications you are taking.
- Inform the doctor about any health problems you have.
