Eligibility for Blood Donation:
1. Why is one not allowed to donate blood before attaining the age of 18 years?
According to the law in India, the minimum age requirement for blood donation is 18 years. This restriction ensures that the donor is physically and mentally mature enough to handle the donation process and its potential effects on their body.
2. Can one donate blood if one's body weight is less than 45 kg?
No, individuals with a body weight less than 45 kg are generally not eligible for blood donation. This is because donating a significant volume of blood may lead to health risks for individuals with lower body weights.
3. Why is blood not collected from a person having a hemoglobin content of less than 12.5 gm/100ml?
Hemoglobin is a vital component of blood responsible for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. Individuals with a hemoglobin content lower than 12.5 gm/100ml often indicate a potential iron deficiency or anemia. Donating blood in such cases can further deplete their hemoglobin levels, leading to health complications.
4. Who can give blood?
In India, both males and females can donate blood if they meet certain eligibility criteria. Generally, the donor should be between 18-65 years of age, weigh more than 45 kg, and be in good health with no recent illnesses or surgeries. Age less than 60 for the first time donor.
5. Nobody has ever asked me to donate blood.
Blood Centres (Donation) and donation centers actively encourage voluntary donations. If you are interested in donating blood, you can reach out to your local Blood Centre (Donation) or donation center to schedule an appointment. They will provide you with all the necessary information and guidance.
6. I am too old!
Age is not always a barrier to blood donation. As long as you are between 18-65 years old and meet other eligibility criteria, you can donate blood regardless of age. However, if you have any underlying health conditions or are on medication, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before donating.
7. But I am underweight!
Donors must weigh a minimum of 45 kg to ensure they can tolerate the volume of blood that is collected during the donation process. If you are underweight, it is advised to improve your overall health and reach a suitable weight before considering blood donation.
8. Oh! But I am anemic!
Individuals with anemia, especially those with low hemoglobin levels, are generally not eligible to donate blood. Anemic individuals need to focus on improving their hemoglobin levels through proper diet and medical treatment before considering blood donation.
9. Is there any chance of contracting blood communicable diseases by donating blood?
Blood Centres (Donation) and donation centers follow strict protocols and guidelines to ensure the safety of the donated blood. All donated blood is thoroughly screened for blood-borne infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and Malaria.
Blood Donation Process:
1. What diet should I follow if I am deciding to donate blood?
It is recommended to have a well-balanced and healthy diet before donating blood. Incorporate iron-rich foods like meat, fish, spinach, and lentils to boost your hemoglobin levels. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
2. What should be kept in mind the day before blood donation?
The day before blood donation, ensure you get a good night's sleep. Avoid alcohol consumption, abstain from smoking. It is also advisable to have meal before your donation appointment.
3. Can I exercise before donating blood?
Moderate exercise is generally fine before blood donation. However, it is essential not to overexert yourself as this can cause dizziness or weakness during the donation. If you plan to exercise, choose light activities and ensure you are well-rested before donating.
4. What should I eat before going for a blood donation?
Eat a well-balanced meal consisting of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats a few hours before your blood donation. Avoid consuming fatty or fried foods as it can affect the blood sample quality during testing.
5. What if I am deciding to donate platelets?
Platelet donation is slightly different from whole blood donation. It involves a process called apheresis, in which platelets are separated from the donor's blood and the remaining components are returned back to the donor. The process takes longer than regular blood donation but allows for a higher yield of platelets, which are crucial for clotting.
6. I am feeling a bit nervous!
Feeling nervous before donating blood is natural, especially if it's your first time. Remember that blood donation is a safe procedure performed by trained professionals. They will guide you through the process and ensure your comfort. Deep breathing techniques and staying relaxed can help alleviate nerves.
7. Is there anything I need to carry with me while going for blood donation?
It is advisable (not mandatory) to carry a valid identification card such as a driver's license, passport, or Aadhaar card for the documentation process. You may also carry any medical information, if relevant, to be shared with the medical staff.
Safety of Blood Donation:
1. What laboratory tests are performed in the Blood Centre (Donation) for each bag of collected blood?
Blood Centres (Donation) perform various laboratory tests on each donated unit of blood. The tests include blood typing (ABO and Rh group), screening for infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis, and Malaria, and checking hemoglobin levels.
2. Why are the above laboratory tests not performed before donation?
Performing the laboratory tests for each potential donor would be a resource-intensive and time-consuming process. By performing tests on collected blood, the Blood Centre (Donation) can ensure that only safe and healthy blood units are released for transfusion.
3. How long can blood be preserved in a Blood Centre (Donation)?
Whole blood can be preserved for up to 35-42 days. However, various blood components such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets have different shelf life and storage requirements.
4. Does it take a long time to donate blood?
The actual blood donation process usually takes around 5-10 minutes. However, the overall process, including registration, screening, and recovery time, may take approximately 30-60 minutes depending on the Blood Centre (Donation) and donor flow.
5. How much blood do you take?
During a standard blood donation, approximately 350-450 ml of blood is collected. This represents less than 10% of the total blood volume in an average adult.
6. Why is my finger pricked before donation?
A finger prick is done to assess the hemoglobin level in your blood. Hemoglobin estimation helps in determining if you meet the minimum hemoglobin requirement for blood donation. It also serves as a preliminary check to ensure your safety during the donation process.
7. What is the liquid in the bag into which the blood is taken?
The liquid in the bag is an anticoagulant-preservative solution that prevents blood clotting and preserves the donated blood. It ensures the blood remains viable for transfusion and maintains its quality during storage.
8. You wouldn't want my blood, would you? I am of a common group.
All blood types are needed in Blood Centres (Donation) to ensure an adequate supply for patients in need. While certain blood types may be rarer than others, every blood type can save lives. Thus, your blood, regardless of your blood type, is valuable and can be used to save someone's life.
9. I am too busy, and it is too inconvenient!
Blood donation is a simple process that usually doesn't take much time. However, if you are unable to donate due to a busy schedule or other personal reasons, you can still support by encouraging others to donate and raising awareness about the importance of blood donation.
10. Why has a 3-month interval been stipulated, though donated blood is recuperated within a few weeks?
The 3-month interval between donations is a precautionary measure to allow your body to restore its blood cell population fully. It ensures that you are in good health before you donate again and minimizes the risk of anemia or other health complications.
11. How often can one give blood?
In India, individual male and female donors can generally donate whole blood every 3 months and 4 months respcteively. The interval between donations allows for proper replenishment of the body's blood cells and ensures the donor's well-being.
12. Is blood donation very painful?
The actual donation process involves minimal discomfort. You may feel a slight pinching needle sensation when the needle is inserted, but the process is generally painless. After donation, you may experience some minor bruising or soreness at the insertion site, which subsides within a few days.
13. Will I feel alright after donation?
Most donors feel perfectly fine after donating blood. Some may experience mild lightheadedness or dizziness, which can be alleviated by resting and hydrating properly. Blood Centres (Donation) provide refreshments and rest areas to ensure donors' well-being post-donation.
14. But it will make me weak.
Donating blood does not lead to long-term weakness or fatigue. However, it can cause temporary weakness or a slight decrease in energy levels. It is recommended to rest and maintain a healthy diet after donation to restore your energy levels.
More Questions:
1. I have heard of people fainting. Is that common?
Fainting during or after blood donation is relatively rare. Donating blood is a safe process with minimal risks. Fainting is usually caused by the body's natural response to the sight of blood or a drop in blood pressure. However, Blood Centres (Donation) take precautions to ensure donor safety and have measures in place to handle such situations accordingly.
2. What is AIDS? Is there any chance of contracting AIDS by donating blood?
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a medical condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Blood donation in reputable Blood Centres (Donation) follows strict screening and testing protocols to eliminate any blood units contaminated with HIV or other blood-borne infections.
3. Does the blood group of a particular person change with time?
No, a person's blood group remains constant throughout their life. Blood types are determined by specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens do not change over time.
4. What is the Rh factor?
The Rh factor is an inherited blood group antigen present on the surface of red blood cells. It is either Rh-positive (presence of the antigen) or Rh-negative (absence of the antigen). The Rh factor is important during blood transfusions and pregnancies to avoid potential complications and ensure compatibility between the donor and recipient.
5. What are the compatibility of blood groups together? / What is a compatible blood type donor?
| Blood Type | Donate Blood To | Receive Blood From |
| A+ | A+ AB+ | A+ A- O+ O- |
| O+ | O+ A+ B+ AB+ | O+ O- |
| B+ | B+ AB+ | B+ B- O+ O- |
| AB+ | AB+ | All Blood group except The Bombay blood group. |
| A- | A+ A- AB+ AB- | A- O- |
| O- | All Blood group except The Bombay blood group. | O- |
| B- | B+ B- AB+ AB- | B- O- |
| AB- | AB+ AB- | AB- A- B- O- |
Disclaimer: To ensure optimal effectiveness, matching blood groups is preferred for Blood / Platelet donation. However, all blood types are valuable. Please consult a healthcare professional to determine your eligibility.
6. How many types of Blood components' donations are possible?
The average human body contains about five liters of blood, which is made of several cellular and non-cellular components such as Red blood cell, Platelet, and Plasma.
Each type of component has its unique properties and can be used for different indications. The donated blood is separated into these components by the blood centre and one donated unit can save upto four lives depending on the number of components separated from your blood.
7. Questions for Packed Red Blood Cell
What is it?
Blood Collected straight from the donor into a blood bag and mixed with an anticoagulant is called as whole blood. This collected whole blood is then centrifuged and red cell, platelets and plasma are separated. The separated Red cells are mixed with a preservative to be called as packed red blood cells.
Who can donate?
You need to be 18-65 years old, weight 45kg or more and be fit and healthy. First time donor shall not be over 60 years of age.
User For?
Correction of severe anemia in a number of conditions and blood loss in case of child birth, surgery or trauma settings, thalassemia, Oncology / Patients with Cancer.
Lasts For?
Red cells can be stored for 42 days at 2-6 degree Celsius.
How long does it take to donate?
15-30 minutes to donate, including the pre-donation check-up.
How often can I donate?
Male donors can donate again after 90 days and female donors can donate again after 120 days.
8. Questions for Platelet
What is it?
These are cellular elements in blood which wedge together to help to clot and reduce bleeding. Always in high demand, Vital for people with low platelet count, like hematology and cancer patients.
Who can donate?
One can donate whole blood from which the blood centre will separate platelets from other components. Criteria similar to whole blood donation apply. Alternatively, one can donate using apheresis equipment where only platelets are collected and rest components are returned back to donate. One need to satisfy whole blood criteria and pre- donation screening which include negative infectious markers and platelet count >1,50,000 per microlitre of blood. Weight should be >50kgs.
User For?
Conditions with very low platelet count such as Cancer, blood diseases, trauma, dengue etc.
Lasts For?
can be stored for 5 days at 20-24 degree Celsius.
How does it work?
We collect your blood, keep platelet and return rest to you by apheresis donation.
How long does it take to donate?
45-60 minutes to donate. 2-3 hours for pre-donation screening.
How often can I donate?
Every 2 weeks but should not exceed more than 24 times in a year.
10. Is there any side effects of Blood components Donations?
Blood donation is a vital process that helps save lives and improve the health of many individuals in need. However, it is important to be aware that there can be side effects associated with blood component donation. These side effects vary depending on the specific blood component being donated. In this article, we will discuss the potential side effects of donating each blood component.
1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs):
The most common side effect of donating RBCs is tiredness or fatigue, which is usually temporary and resolves within a few hours or days. This occurs because RBCs carry oxygen to the body's tissues, and their temporary loss might cause a feeling of exhaustion. Other potential side effects include lightheadedness, dizziness, and bruising at the needle site. In rare cases, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction or infection at the needle site.
2. Platelets:
Platelets are responsible for blood clotting, and donating platelets can also have side effects. Some individuals may experience temporary chills, dizziness, or a tingling sensation during the donation process. After donation, some donors might feel weak, tired, or lightheaded for sometime and it gets recovered in due course. There is also a risk of experiencing bruising, swelling, or pain at the needle puncture site.
3. Plasma:
Plasma is the liquid component of blood that contains proteins, antibodies, and clotting factors. Potential side effects of donating plasma include feeling slightly nauseous or lightheaded during the donation process, which usually subsides quickly. Individuals may also experience a tingling sensation around the mouth or in the fingertips due to changes in calcium levels. Less common side effects include allergic reactions, fainting, or infection at the needle site.
4. White Blood Cells (WBCs):
White blood cells are a crucial part of the immune system, and their donation is less common than other components. WBC donations are typically done through a special process known as apheresis. The most common side effects of donating WBCs are similar to those of RBC donations, including tiredness, weakness, dizziness, and bruising. In rare cases, there may be a risk of muscle pain.
It is important to note that while side effects can occur during blood component donation, they are generally mild and temporary. The trained medical staff supervising the donation process are skilled in managing any adverse reactions or complications that may arise. It is crucial for donors to disclose any underlying health conditions or medications they are taking to ensure a safe donation process.
To minimize the likelihood of experiencing side effects, donors should follow instructions provided by the Blood Centre (Donation) or donation center. This includes eating a nutritious meal before donating, staying well-hydrated, and resting after the donation. If side effects persist or worsen, donors should seek medical attention promptly.
In summary, donating blood components can have temporary side effects, including fatigue, dizziness, or bruising. However, these side effects are generally mild and manageable, and the benefits of donating blood greatly outweigh any potential risks. By donating blood components, individuals can make a profound impact on the lives of those in need, contributing to a healthier and stronger community.
Source: https://www.eraktkosh.in/BLDAHIMS/bloodbank/transactions/bbpublicindex.html
http://nbtc.naco.gov.in/faq/