Have you ever seen a post on social media saying 'urgent blood needed'? Or the rush of family members when someone in the hospital urgently needs blood? In fact, at that time, one drop of blood means an entire life. So, how important is it for us all to be fully aware of such a precious thing, that is, donating blood? Let's talk about this today.
What does blood donation really mean?
Simply put, blood donation is when a healthy person voluntarily gives some of their blood to a patient in need. This is the most valuable gift a person can give. Because it can directly save a life.
Just think, how many times in our country do people need blood?
- For someone who has had an accident and lost a lot of blood
- For someone facing major surgery
- Cancer patients, especially those with blood cancers like leukemia
- A mother who has excessive bleeding during childbirth
- Patients with low platelets in diseases like dengue
- For young children with blood diseases like Thalassemia
In such cases, the drop of blood you donate is life for that person. When you donate blood once, you only take one pint of blood, which means one unit . A healthy person's body usually has about 10-12 pints of blood. Also, the amount of blood you donate is replenished by your body within 4-6 weeks. So, this will not harm you in any way.
Why should we donate blood? What happens if we do?
The most important thing is that blood is not something that can be artificially created in a lab. It is produced by our own bodies. Therefore, only another healthy person can donate blood to someone who needs it.
The unit of blood you donate is not given directly to another person. It is divided into several parts. This means that your single blood donation can save up to 3 lives.
| Part of the blood | Main function | Opportunities to take advantage of |
|---|---|---|
| Red Blood Cells | Carries oxygen throughout the body. | For those who have accidents, surgeries, or anemia. |
| Plasma | The liquid part of blood. Contains proteins and antibodies. | For those with burns, liver disease, or severe infections. |
| Platelets | Helps blood clot. | Dengue patients, cancer patients (especially those undergoing chemotherapy). |
| Cryoprecipitated AHF | Contains special proteins (clotting factors) needed for blood clotting. | For those with conditions such as hemophilia. |
Who can donate blood? What are the qualifications?
Before donating blood, you need to think about your safety and the safety of the patient you are donating blood to. Therefore, there are some basic qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
- Age: Must be between 18 and 60 years old.
- Weight: Must be over 50 kilograms.
- Health: You must be in good health. You cannot donate blood if you have a cold or fever. You can only donate after you are fully recovered.
- Haemoglobin level: This is checked by taking a small drop of blood from your finger before donating blood. It should be at the right level.
The most important thing is to answer the questions about your health honestly . This information will be kept strictly confidential. This ensures your safety and that of the patient.
| Situations when blood cannot be donated | Description |
|---|---|
| Situations where blood donation is temporarily not possible | |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | You cannot donate blood during pregnancy and for 6 months after giving birth. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding. |
| Use of certain medications | Some medications may require you to temporarily avoid donating blood. Inform the medical staff about the medications you are taking. |
| Tattoo or body piercing | If it's not in a clean, proper place, it will take about 6-12 months. |
| Traveling to an area with a risk of malaria | If you have been to such an area, you will not be able to donate blood for a while. |
| Situations where blood donation is not possible permanently | |
| Being infected with HIV/AIDS | If you have this disease, you cannot donate blood. |
| Hepatitis B or C (Hepatitis B/C) | People with these viral infections are not eligible to donate blood. |
| Some types of cancer | Blood-related cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. |
| Risky sex or drug use | People who engage in risky behaviors are not allowed to donate blood. |
Can someone with diabetes donate blood?
Yes, you can. If your diabetes is well controlled with medication or insulin and you have no other complications, you can donate blood.
For someone who uses drugs?
Using substances such as marijuana is not a reason to refuse to donate blood. However, it is imperative that you are sober and not intoxicated when donating blood. You absolutely cannot donate blood if you have used injectable drugs.
How does the blood donation process work?
The entire process takes about an hour. It's very simple.
1. Before donating blood
- Eat a good meal: Eat a good meal a few hours before donating blood. It is especially good to eat iron-rich foods like vegetables, meat, fish, and eggs.
- Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drink a glass or two of water 10-30 minutes before donating blood. This can help prevent dizziness that you may experience later.
2. When donating blood
- Registration: When you arrive, you must first register by providing your ID.
- Health check: You will then be asked to fill out a confidential questionnaire. A nurse will also come in and check your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. As we discussed earlier, a small drop of blood will be taken from your finger and your hemoglobin level will be checked. All of this is done to make sure you are healthy enough to donate blood.
- Blood draw: You will then be seated in a comfortable chair or bed. The nurse will clean your arm and elbow with an antiseptic and insert a very small needle into a vein. You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but this will go away within a few seconds. The entire process of drawing blood will take about 8-10 minutes .
3. After donating blood
- Rest: After the blood is drawn, you will be asked to rest for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, you will be given a biscuit and a drink.
- Instructions: Before you go home, you will be informed about what to do and what to avoid for the next 24 hours.
- Went home:
- Drink plenty of water and fluids.
- Avoid heavy lifting or excessive exercise during that day.
- The plaster placed on the area where the splinter was inserted can be removed in a few hours.
Are there any side effects from donating blood?
Most people don't feel any discomfort. A very small number of people may feel a little dizzy or lightheaded after donating blood. That's why it's recommended to rest for 15 minutes and drink plenty of fluids.
Remember, all the equipment used to collect blood (needle, bag) is brand new, sterile. It is used once and then safely disposed of. So you don't have to worry about any germs getting into your system.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, body aches, or any health information you forgot to share after you go home after donating blood, immediately notify the blood donation center .
Take-Home Message
- Donating blood is a very valuable and noble act that can save lives.
- This process is very safe and simple. It will not cause any permanent damage to your body.
- To donate blood, you must be between 18-60 years old, healthy, and weigh more than 50 kilograms.
- Eat well and drink plenty of water before donating blood.
- After donating blood, get some rest, drink fluids, and avoid strenuous activities that day.
- Your one blood donation can save the lives of three patients.
- Always answer questions about your health information honestly. It's important for everyone's safety.
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