World Blood Donor Day - Be responsible Donate Blood

Be responsible Donate Blood

Can you donate blood?

• As a donor, it is your responsibility to ensure the quality of blood you’re donating.
• You must be above 18 years of age.
• You should not be underweight. “Usually donors weighing more than 45-50kg are acceptable,” says Dr Byotra.
• You should not be suffering from any infectious (such as a cold or flu) or chronic diseases (such as diabetes).
• You should not have taken any intoxicating drugs, orally or otherwise, within 48 hours prior to donating blood.
• You should not have high blood pressure.
• You should not be pregnant or menstruating.

Make sure it’s safe

• Check the safety and hygiene standards of the local camps before you sign up to donate blood.
• This includes checking the cleanliness of vials and syringes being used, which should be new and not reused.
• Attendants and doctors should be wearing gloves while handling the blood.
• People with infectious diseases (even a cold) should not be allowed at the donation point.
• Make sure you have a donor card that specifies your blood type.

After you’ve donated blood

• Once you have donated, it is also important to take care of your own health because it takes around 24 hours to replenish the volume of blood lost, which is around 400ml, or one unit.
• Soon after, make sure you drink a fruit juice or glucose-rich drink, and eat a light snack like fruits.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid caffeine.
• Avoid smoking.
• You can go to work immediately after donating blood, doctors advise avoidance of intense physical exertion.