WHAT ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR DONATING BLOOD ?

• First of all you should have a strong will to donate.
• You must be above 18 years or below 55 years of Age.
• You must not come empty stomach to donate blood.
• You must weigh more than 45 kgs.
• You may donate once every 3 months.
• Your Haemoglobin should be more than 12 G%.
• If female, you should not donate during menstruation.
• You should bear a good moral character.

WHERE CAN YOU DONATE BLOOD ?

• Some companies arrange Blood Donation drives in company premises. So that people can donate blood while at work.
• Some Blood donation camps are organized by social groups and educational institutions throughout the year at different localities.
• As a voluntary Donor or a replacement Donor you can donate blood to all the Govt. and Corporation Blood Bank of our city.
• Blood Banks who are members of Federation of Bombay

THERAPEUTIC PHLEBOTOMY

    This refers to the removal of blood as a part of ‘Medical treatment’ usually in case of polycythernia and this blood will be discarded as these patients sometimes develop leukaemia.

CAN YOU DONATE BLOOD FOR YOURSELF ?

    Yes, it is called Autologus transfusion.  This refers to the collection of patient’s own blood for his own requirement at a later date.  This procedure can be safely used for planned surgery.  It is very useful for patients with irregular antibodies where it is difficult to find a compatible blood.

PHERESIS – WHAT IS IT ?

    This is a procedure where only the required blood component is separated from the blood collected and the remaining components are re-infused to the donors.  This can be done several times during a particular Session and thus a good amount of component can be collected from a single donor.  This procedure can be performed at much shorter intervals compared to the whole blood donations.

HOW OFTEN CAN YOU DONATE BLOOD ?

Once in 3 months
 

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHEN YOU DONATE BLOOD ?
    You may feel giddy when you donate blood.  If so, please inform the doctor on duty in Donor room immediately.

    You may feel some tingling and numbness in the hand &  fore arm on the side you are bled.  This may be due to the extra pressure applied to your arm by the tourniquet.  Please inform the doctor in ‘Donor Room’ so that he can make you comfortable.

BLOOD DONATION PROCEDURE

    You’ll register using the same name, birth date, address each time, You are asked about your past and present health and lifestyle and answer your questions.  This will be private and confidential.

    Next, your temperature , blood pressure, and pulse is checked , and  a drop of your blood is tested.

    You’ll be given a form so you can let the staff know privately, whether your blood is safe to give to another person.

    They will cleanse an area of your "donating arm".  All of the supplies, including the needle, are sterile and are used only once-for YOU.  You cannot get infected with HIV (the virus that cause AIDS) or any disease from donating blood.

    When they start the actual donation, you may feel a brief "string", In  about 10 minutes, you’re finished.  You’ll have given about a pint of blood.  Your body  replaces the liquid part (plasma) in hours and the cells in a few weeks.

    Finally, you’ll be given a card with a number to call if you  decide after you leave that your blood may not be safe to give to another person.

    You will be asked to wait for some time and relax .  Most people feel fine while they give blood and afterward.  A few may have an upset stomach, a faint or dizzy feeling, or a black and blue mark, redness, and pain where the needle was.  Very rarely, a person may faint, have muscle spasms, and/or suffer nerve damage.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO BLOOD DONORS

• Remain in Donor Room for 15 minutes to avoid syncopal attacks.
• Raise your arm & apply pressure if there is bleeding from site of needle puncture.
• Drink or eat some snacks given to you in Donor Room.
• Do not leave the Donor Room till permitted by the Doctor.
• Drink more fluids than normal in next 4 hrs. to make up the fluid volume you have lost i.e. 350ml.
• Lie down with head low position if you feel dizzy.
• Do not drink alcohol on the day of donation until you have eaten a meal.
• Avoid Vigorous exercise for the remainder of the day.
• Do not ride in fast elevators or do strenuous work immediately afterwards.
• You can resume your normal activities after half an hour.
• Your blood volume will return to normal within a week.
• You will be eligible to donate blood after 3 months as per Indian Standards.

 BENEFITS OF BLOOD DONATION

    Satisfaction of giving the most precious donation- your own blood which even money can not buy.  A selfless service to the anonymous.

    You could also be making an investment in your life.  As you get a Donor Card against  which you can claim 1 pint of blood for you and your first degree relatives in case of emergencies through out your life (Subject to the availability of Blood)