Blood donation happens when a person willingly agrees for donating blood to a person in need. It is a noble deed through which we can help humanity. Donated blood can be used for an emergency transfusion or can be separated into individual components to be used later. Transfusion of blood helps save millions of lives every year.
Most people can donate blood if they are in good health.
Who needs blood transfusion?
A person may need a blood transfusion for a variety of reasons. The most common situation includes:
- Surgeries
- Accidents
- Pregnancy complications
- Organ transplant
- Oncology complications
- Thalassemia patients
- Sickle cell Anemia patients
Blood Donation Process:
- If you’re donating whole blood, the area on your arm is cleansed and a sterile needle is used to extract blood.
- The blood donor is seated comfortably or lying down.
- Once the blood donation is complete, a bandage is placed on your arm.
- Platelet donation is slightly different from giving a whole-blood donation.
- During the platelet donation, blood is removed from one arm, and then a centrifuge separates out the platelets. The rest of the blood then returns to the donor through the other arm.
Healthy Donor:
- Any donor, who is healthy, fit and not suffering from any transmittable diseases can donate blood.
- The Donor must be 18 -60 years age and should weigh minimum 50 kgs.
- The Donor’s Hemoglobin level must be 12.5g/dl minimum.
- A donor can again donate blood after 3 months of the last donation.
- Pulse rate must be between 50 to 100mm without any irregularities.
- Blood Pressure Diastolic 50 to 100 mm Hg and Systolic 100 to 180 mm Hg.
- Body temperature should be normal.
Non Eligible Donor:
- Patients of cardiac arrest, hypertension, kidney disease or epilepsy.
- Consumption of alcohol within the last 24 hours.
- HIV
- Having a cold, flu, sore throat, or any other infection.
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers cannot donate blood.
Benefits of donating blood:
- Helps in controlling weight
- It keeps your liver healthy
- Keeps cancer away
- Helps in smooth blood circulation
- Helps in burning calories