Tips For Being A Blood Donor And What Are The Main Requirements

Every June, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of this action.

According to data recorded by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 118.5 million blood donations are made worldwide, a figure that contributes to guaranteeing the quality, safety, and availability of blood in the health systems of each country.

What does blood donation involve?

Blood donation is a voluntary process that, depending on the type of blood, helps meet a patient’s medical needs.

During a donation, approximately half a liter of whole blood is extracted and then separated into its components: red blood cells, plasma, and, if necessary, platelets.

What is the process for donating blood?

If you have decided to donate blood, you should take into account the following recommendations:

Eligibility

To be eligible to donate blood there are several requirements you must meet:

• Enjoy good health.
• Be of legal age.
• Have a minimum weight of 110 pounds.
• Pass physical and medical history evaluations.

These requirements may vary depending on where you are donating blood.

Before donating

It is important to remember the importance of maintaining good hydration and a diet rich in iron to strengthen the body in the days leading up to the donation, avoiding fatty foods, and increasing the intake of red meat, spinach, and legumes, as well as getting enough sleep the night before the donation.

During the donation

It is important to inform the medical team about any health problems you may have or if you are taking any treatment that may prevent you from donating blood.

The donation procedure is simple:

• When you arrive at the blood bank, you will lie down in a reclining chair with your arm extended on an armrest. The health care staff will measure your blood pressure using a tourniquet around your arm so that the veins are more saturated with blood.

• A new, sterile needle will be placed that is connected to a thin plastic tube through which the blood will be carried to a special blood bag.
• Once the needle is in place, your medical team will ask you to make a tight fist several times to increase blood flow through your vein.
• The needle will remain in place for approximately 10 minutes.
• Breathing exercises are essential for the person to remain calm and relaxed throughout the process.

After the procedure

At the end of the donation, it is recommended to take a 10 to 15-minute break and drink liquids to regain energy to continue with your daily activities.

It is important to avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about 24 hours.

If you feel dizzy after donating, you may lie down with your feet elevated until the feeling passes.

Consider continuing an iron-rich diet to replace iron lost through blood donation.

Are there any risks to donating blood?

Blood donation is generally safe because new, sterile, disposable equipment is used for each donor, so there is no risk of blood-borne infection.

Most healthy adults can donate blood safely and without posing health risks.

How often is it advisable to donate blood?

To make a donation you must wait at least eight weeks between whole blood donations, however, experts indicate that men can donate up to four times a year and women three.

Can I donate blood if I have tattoos?

According to the Red Cross, tattoos can be donated, as long as it has been 4 months since the tattoo was done. The same goes for piercings.