About the Health Information

• World Blood Donor Day was celebrated with the theme “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!” This day serves as a special opportunity to express gratitude to blood donors around the world for their selfless and lifesaving donations. It also emphasises the importance of encouraging more individuals to join the global movement of blood donation.

Importance of blood donation

• Blood donation is a selfless act that directly impacts the lives of those in need. Donating blood is an active way to contribute to the welfare of society. It’s important to understand that blood cannot be manufactured, and there is no substitute for it.

Donation and the donor

• The average adult has about 4 to 6 litres of blood, out of which only 450ml to 550ml is donated during a standard blood donation. The body takes approximately 48 hours to replace the donated blood volume and about 6 to 8 weeks to completely replace the red blood cells donated.

Who needs blood?

• The need for blood is ever-present. It is required for patients undergoing major surgical procedures.

• Cancer patients

• Thalassemia children require blood every 7-10 days.

• Road traffic accident victims

• Patients who have cancer

• Females during childbirth

Facts about blood donation

• Only 8% to 12% of your blood is being donated

• O- type blood group is the Universal donor, and the AB blood type is the universal recipient

• Donating blood is entirely safe. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded

• Red blood cells, plasma and platelets are extracted using specialised machines

• Haemoglobin, height, weight and blood pressure will be checked before every donation

• Type O-negative blood is used in emergencies before the patient’s blood type is known and with newborns who need blood.

• Type AB-type blood donors are universal donors of plasma, which is often used in emergencies for newborns and for patients requiring massive transfusions.

• Donating blood can burn 650 calories

• All donated blood will be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis and other infectious diseases before it can be transfused to patients.

Who can donate blood?

• Blood donors must be 18 to 65 years old and weigh a minimum of 45 kg.

• A donor can donate four times per year, which is 90 days (male donors and 120 days) (female donors) after a prior donation

• Donor’s haemoglobin level should be between 12.5g/dL to 18.0 g/dL.

• Donor’s blood pressure should be normal

• He or she should not be on any medications

• People with Diabetes can donate blood provided they are not taking insulin & their medications were not changed in the last 28 days before donation.

Benefits of blood donation

• People who donate regularly may have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer

• Blood donation boosts the production of new blood cells and promotes good health.

• All donated blood will be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis and other infectious diseases before it can be transfused to patients.

• Blood Donation is a crucial contribution to society and plays a vital role in saving lives. It is a noble act that has far-reaching positive effects on both the donor and the recipients. We urge individuals to consider donating blood and become part of this life-saving initiative.

   

  Call us at 044 4524 2424 to get more information.