Blood donation
Donate blood if you satisfy all of the following conditions
Age 18 to 65 years
Healthy & physically fit without any major illness
weight at least 45 kg
Haemoglobin more than 12.5 g/dl
Who should/ shouldn't donate blood
High Risk Individuals
Should NOT have had any history of Genital ulcers/Discharge, History of multiple sexual partners and Drug Addiction
Malaria
Should Not have been treated for malaria in last 3 months or 3 years if residing in endemic areas
Medication
Certain medications may pose a risk to the donor or recipient, and if you're taking them you will not be able to give blood
Scars/Skin Puncture
Arms & Forearms should be free from Skin punctures or Scars which are indicative of Intravenous drug use or frequent blood donations
immunizations & Vaccination
Should NOT have had shots for any of the following - Cholera, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Plague, Gamma globulin in last 15 days; Rabies vaccination in last 1 year
Dentist
YES if whitening or impression. YES the day after a filling (restoration), cleaning or orthodontics. YES 3 days after an extraction, surgery, root canal, crown, root planing, gum autograft or implant
Other Disease
Should NOT have Epilepsy, Asthma on Steroids, Bleeding disorders, Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, polycythaemia Vera
Why is it important to donate blood?
There is no substitute for human blood. It cannot be manufactured in a factory
There is a constant need for blood and blood components and every patient requiring blood transfusions do not have healthy a person among his family and friends to donate for him.
Accident and trauma victims who suffer massive blood loss may require many transfusions to save their life. And accidents can happen anywhere anytime.
For doctors and hospitals to treat and operate for conditions like heart surgeries, joint replacement surgeries, organ transplants, premature babies, leukemia and cancer treatments, and much more, having adequate blood stocks in the blood banks are critical
Many pregnant women and thalassemic children, especially in rural India, die due to non-availability of blood at the right time.
We do so many things to share our resources with others, donating blood is one a way where we end up sharing part of our life with another human being. And only you can do it!
Busting Blood Donation Myths
| Myths | Facts |
|---|---|
| Blood donation makes us Even regular donation feel weak | Even regular donation every three months does not lead to weakness After each donation you can resume normal activities after a short period of rest |
| I am scared of getting infections through donation | Blood donation is a safe medical procedure and is done using one-time use sterile blood bags. You cannot get infected during blood donation |
| Women & girls cannot donate blood | Except during brief periods of pregnancy. breastfeeding and abortions, all females who fulfill other criteria can safely donate blood |
| I am too old to donate | You can start anytime after 18 and continue till 65 years. Preferably donate the first time before 60 years |
| I donated twice | You can donate blood every 90 days and enroll as a regular blood donor with the nearest licensed blood bank |
| I am saving up for when my family needs it | Donate today, and help the blood banks maintain its blood stocks. So that it is adequate for your family and others |
| Nobody asked me so far | Consider yourself invited and show up with your friends to donate blood |