You too can save a life! Learn everything about blood donation

Have you ever seen an announcement on television, in the newspaper, or while walking on the street about an "urgent need for blood"? Perhaps you have seen a blood donation camp in your village temple, church, or community hall. Donating blood is really a great thing. It is a valuable opportunity for us to save another person's life without any cost. So today, let's talk about what you need to know about blood donation.

What does blood donation really mean?

Simply put, blood donation is when a healthy person voluntarily gives a portion of their blood to a patient in need. This is a very important part of the healthcare system, not only in our country, but all over the world.

Think of someone who has suffered a major accident and is bleeding profusely, a child with cancer, someone undergoing major surgery, or a mother who has a complication during childbirth. All of these people need blood to survive. There is no technology yet to make blood artificially outside our bodies. Therefore, the only way to meet this need is for healthy people like us to donate blood.

Usually, a pint of blood is taken from you at a time. That's about 450 milliliters. A healthy adult has about 10-12 pints of blood in their body. So this donation is a small amount that won't harm your body. Our body can regenerate that amount of blood within 4-6 weeks.

What happens to the blood we donate?

Did you know that a single pint of blood you donate can save up to three lives? How do you know that? The blood you donate is separated into four main components in the laboratory. These components are then given separately to each patient, depending on their needs.

Who can donate blood? What are the qualifications?

You don't need any special qualifications to donate blood. The main thing is to be healthy . There are some basic qualifications that you need to meet for your safety and the safety of the patient receiving the blood.

• Age: Must be between 18 and 60 years old.
• Weight: Must be over 50 kilograms.
• Good health: You should be healthy, free from illnesses such as fever and cold .
• Hemoglobin level: This is checked with a small blood sample taken from your fingertip before donating blood. It should be at the right level.

What are the circumstances in which you may not be able to donate blood?

Some health conditions and reasons may prevent you from donating blood temporarily or permanently. These rules are in place to protect both you and the patient who receives the blood.

Can someone with diabetes donate blood?

Yes. If your diabetes is well controlled with medication or insulin, and you have no other complications, you can donate blood. However, it is best to talk to your doctor about this and inform the doctor at the blood donation center.

Can't you donate blood if you have a tattoo?

Having a tattoo doesn't mean you can't donate blood. However, if you got your tattoo done at a reputable place that uses clean, sterilized equipment, you can usually donate blood after about 3-6 months. This is to check for blood -borne diseases like hepatitis.

How does the blood donation process work?

This is very simple, takes about 10-15 minutes. The whole process takes about an hour.

1. Before donating blood

When you go to the blood donation center, you will first register your details. Then you will be asked to fill out a form that asks you a few questions about your health. It is very important that you answer these questions honestly. Then, a nurse or technician will check your temperature, blood pressure , and pulse . As mentioned earlier, a small drop of blood will be taken from your fingertip and your hemoglobin level will be checked.

2. While donating blood

You will be made to sit/sit in a comfortable chair or bed. The nurse will select a vein near your elbow and clean the area thoroughly with an antiseptic. Then the needle will be inserted. You will only feel a slight prick. Then the blood will start to collect in the blood bag. This will take about 8-10 minutes.

3. After donating blood

Once the blood is drawn, a small plaster is applied to the area where the needle was inserted. You will be given something to eat, such as a biscuit, and a drink. It is essential to rest for about 15 minutes. This is to see if you feel dizzy . After that, you can go home. You will be advised to avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day, drink plenty of water, and stay relaxed.

Are there any side effects after donating blood?

Most people don't feel any discomfort. But some people may feel a little dizzy or tired. That's why they say to rest for 15 minutes. Also, the area where the needle was inserted may turn slightly blue, which will heal on its own in two to three days.

If you are a regular blood donor, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your iron levels. You can talk to your family doctor about this and take an iron supplement if necessary.