Considering donating blood but hesitant because of lack of information? On World Blood Donor Day, Dr. Sucharitha answers all your questions.
1. Who may donate blood?
You may donate blood if you:
- are between 18 and 60 years of age
- pass a physical and health-history assessment
- weigh at least 50 kilograms
2. Who may NOT donate blood?
You may donate blood if you:
- have got a tattoo or a piercing in the last six months
- are nursing any infection, including a common cold, HIV and hepatitis
- are pregnant or are exclusively breastfeeding
- are anemic
3. What to do after donating blood?
You must:
- remain under observation for 15 minutes. If you feel nausea or dizziness, wait until you feel okay
- drink water and refreshments without fail
- not remove the BandAid® from the needle-prick site for a day
4. May I donate blood if I have diabetes or hypertension?
Yes; you may donate blood if your blood sugar and blood pressure are under control.
5. Is it OK to donate blood if I have a cardiac ailment?
It is not advisable to donate blood if you’ve had any cardiac ailment symptoms recently.
6. May a menstruating woman donate blood?
Yes; it is safe for a menstruating woman to donate blood.
7. How often is it safe to donate blood?
The recommended minimum interval between blood donations is eight weeks and that between platelet donations is seven days.
8. How much blood is taken during donation and how long does the body take to replenish it?
One unit, that is 450 ml, is taken during standard donation. Your body replaces the donated blood volume (plasma) in just a day, while the replenishment of red blood cells takes about six weeks.
9. How long can donated blood be stored?
The shelf life of donated blood (packed RBCs, whole blood) depends on the type of anticoagulants used. It can be stored for up to 42 days at 2° to 6° C.
Plasma can be stored at –30° C for up to one year.
Platelets can be stored in room temperature with continuous agitation for up to five days.
