Blood donation is a simple, yet profound gesture – donate to an anonymous recipient, and who knows, someday an anonymous donor will save the life of someone close to you! Donate blood regularly, and be assured that there are no side effects as long as you follow the Do’s and Dont’s given below.

Essential Information regarding Blood Donation

• Age and weight of eligible donors : 18-60 years, 45 kg or more
• Hemoglobin : will be checked on the spot, must be 12.5 or higher
• Quantity drawn :
  • Donors upto 50kg – 350CC for single bag, will be used as whole blood
  • Donors weighing over 50 kg – 450CC for triple bag, will be separated into components and can be used for upto 3 patients
• Recovery period : The body will recoup the quantity of donated blood within 24 hours
• Blood Pressure : Should be normal at the time of donation
• Time taken : 15 minutes from registration to completion of donation
• Equipment : Only Disposable needles and bags are used, opened in the presence of the donor
• Steps during and after Donation :
  • Registration and Counselling
  • Medical Check up
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • Refreshments post donation
  • Blood group cards issued in 15 days
• Post Donation : The blood will be screened thoroughly. The donor will be informed directly and personally if any virus is detected during testing. First time donors can find our their blood group. Non eligible donors will be advised personally

Instructions to Blood Donors

A. FOR BLOOD DONATION

1. Any healthy person, between the ages of 18 and 60 years with a weight of 45kgs or more, can donate blood.
2. Take light refreshment / food before blood donation. Do not donate on an empty stomach
3. Read the donation literature carefully and disclose all facts to the doctors at the time of registration.
4. Women should avoid blood donation during their menstrual cycle.
5. A person who has consumed alcohol should avoid giving blood for next 24 hours.
6. A person who has had a recent attack of infections such as Jaundice, Typhoid, Malaria, Rubella, etc., should not give blood.
7. A person who had undergone major surgery should avoid blood donation for 6 months.
8. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid blood donation.

B. AFTER BLOOD DONATION

1. After donating blood, do not get up from the bed immediately. Lie down for next 3 minutes. Sit up for some time and if you do not feel anything unusual, get up and proceed to the refreshment area.
2. Please keep the arm through which you donated blood raised for 10 minutes with firm pressure at the point of injection.
3. After blood donation, Please go to the refreshment room and have the refreshment.
4. A plaster will be stuck at the vein puncture site, from where blood has been collected.
5. A certificate will be issued to donor at the Camp spot.
6. Every unit of blood will be tested for HIV 1 &2 Ab, HBsAg, HCV Ab, MP, MF & VDRL.
7. After donating blood – 1. Drink plenty of liquids for the whole day. 2. Eat well and do not remain hungry. 3. Do not smoke for half an hour. 4. Do not do any heavy exercises on that day. 5. Do not participate in sports and games on the day of blood donation.
8. If there is any bleeding from the place from where blood is collected, apply pressure and raise the arm for a few minutes.
9. If there is any swelling or bluish discolouration or pain at the site of blood donation apply ice. The swelling and colour will resolve in 2-3 days.
10. If you feel giddy or weak after blood donation, lie down with legs elevated or sit down with the head between knees.
11. Remove the plaster applied after 5-6 hours.
12. You can donate blood again, after 3 months for (male) and 4 months for (female).

Watch this space for where you can donate blood!