BLOOD DONATION
WHY GIVE BLOOD?
Donated blood is a lifeline for many people needing long-term treatments, not just in emergencies. Your blood's main components: red cells, plasma and platelets are vital for many different uses.
Donated blood is a lifeline for many people needing long-term treatments, not just in emergencies. Your blood's main components: red cells, plasma and platelets are vital for many different uses.
BLOOD is manufactured in our bone marrow, which produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red cells are used predominantly in treatments for cancer and blood diseases, as well as for treating anemia and in surgeries for transplants and burns. Plasma provides proteins, nutrients and a clotting agent that is vital to stop bleeding - it is the most versatile component of your blood. Platelets are tiny cells used to help patients at a high risk of bleeding. They also contribute to the repair of damaged body tissue.
Who can donate blood?
You can donate blood if you…
· Are in good health
· Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent);
· Weigh at least 110 pounds;
· Have a blood pressure between:
Systolic: 90-160 mmHg,
Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and
· Pass the physical and health history assessments.
You can donate blood if you…
· Are in good health
· Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent);
· Weigh at least 110 pounds;
· Have a blood pressure between:
Systolic: 90-160 mmHg,
Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and
· Pass the physical and health history assessments.
Preparation before donating blood:
1. Have enough rest and sleep.
2. No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.
3. No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
4. Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty food.
5. Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.
Steps in donating blood:
1. Have your weight taken.
2. Register and complete the donor registration form.
3. Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.
4. A physician will conduct a blood donor examination.
5. Actual donation--the amount of blood to be donated will depend on the donor's weight and blood pressure. It usually takes 10 minutes or less.
6. A 5-10 minute rest and plenty of fluid-intake are necessary after donation.
What are the benefits to the donor?
· The Joy of Saving Human Lives-
Every time you donate blood, you can help up to 3 or 4 individual recipients..
· Free Health Check-up-
Before every blood donation process, a series of health check-ups are performed on the donor totally free of cost.
· Reduces Risk of Heart Disease-
Regular blood donations help to keep the levels of iron in the body in check, especially in males. This has shown to reduce heart disease.
· Burns Calories-
One time blood donation helps you shed 650 Kcal.
· Reduces the Risk of Cancer-
High levels of iron have been implicated in cancer. Theoretically, donating blood frequently will reduce the risk of cancers.
One donation can save 3 lives! A donation is 1 pint (300cc), that’s a lot!
Everyone can donate blood. A person can donate a maximum of 4x a year, every 3 months.
Every minute, somebody needs blood. Some may need blood during surgery; while others depend on it after an accident or because they have a disease that requires blood components.
Demand for blood transfusion is growing faster than donations.
SO..
Demand for blood transfusion is growing faster than donations.
SO..