Blood donation
(Public Health)
Through this page, your questions about blood donation will be answered.
What is blood donation?
- Blood donation is a safe, simple, and voluntary procedure that can help save lives. One unit of blood is donated, which equals 450 mL out of a total of 5000 mL — approximately 8% of the total blood volume in an adult. It will be replaced within a few days. The blood is collected and carefully tested to be ready for transfusion to patients who need it. Donation usually takes about 15 minutes. One donation can save up to 3 lives.
- What is the importance of blood donation?
- Blood donation is a highly important humanitarian act that contributes to saving lives. One donation can save the lives of three people. Blood is a vital component in the body, as it transports oxygen and nutrients to cells and helps remove waste, making it essential for sustaining life. Since there is no substitute for human blood, donations become crucial to meet the needs of millions of patients annually.
- Blood is used to treat many medical conditions such as anemia, cancer, blood, kidney, and digestive diseases. It is also essential during surgeries and emergencies.
Types of blood donation:
Whole Blood Donation:
The most common type, where blood is drawn and then separated into its main components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. It is used in multiple cases to meet various needs.
- Apheresis:
- A process that uses a device to separate specific blood components (red cells, plasma, or platelets) and return the unneeded parts to the body.
- Plasma Donation (Plasmapheresis):
- The liquid part of the blood (plasma) is collected using a device that separates it from other blood components. Plasma is used to treat liver and kidney diseases, stop bleeding, and treat severe burns.
- Platelet Donation (Plateletpheresis):
- Only platelets are collected. Blood is drawn from the donor using a device that separates platelets, then returns the rest of the blood components (plasma, red and white cells) to the donor. The donation takes about 60-90 minutes. Platelets are used to treat clotting issues, cancer patients, and those undergoing major surgeries or organ transplants.
- Double Red Cell Donation:
- A concentrated amount of red blood cells is collected using a special device. This is used for individuals with severe blood loss (such as in accidents) or those with anemia.
- Who can donate blood?
- There are conditions a donor must meet:
- Aged 18–65 years.
- Minimum weight of 50 kg.
- In good health and free of infectious diseases.
- Hemoglobin levels: 12–14 g/dL for women, 14–17 g/dL for men.
- Pulse rate between 50–100 bpm.
- Body temperature notIsotretinoinexceeding 37C.
Blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg.
- No recent travel to areas with infectious disease outbreaks (like malaria) in the past 3–4 months or as per local regulations.
- Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the type of donation (whole blood, plasma, or platelets), the health system of the country, and the donation center.
- Health guidelines for donating blood:
- Before donating blood:
- Get enough sleep the night before donation.
