Blood transfusions <\/a>are a critical part of everyday medicine. A person may need a blood transfusion for a variety of reasons. The most common situations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Surgeries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Accidents and Trauma<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Childbirth complications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Organ Transplant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cancer therapies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Thalassemia patients<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sickle cell anaemia patients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Blood Donation Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The complete blood donation process which includes all the registration and formalities takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 15 minutes. Here is the blood donation process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- If you\u2019re donating whole blood, the area on your arm is cleansed and a sterile needle is used to extract blood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The blood donor is seated comfortably or lying down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Once the blood donation is complete a bandage is placed on your arm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Platelet donation is slightly different from giving a whole-blood donation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
During the platelet donation, blood is removed from one arm, and then a centrifuge separates out the platelets. The rest of the blood then returns to the donor through the other arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who can Donate Blood?<\/strong>
Most people can give blood if they are in good health.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat makes you Eligible:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Any donor, who is healthy, fit and not suffering from any transmittable diseases can donate blood.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Donor must be 18 -60 years age and should weigh minimum 50 kgs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Donor\u2019s Haemoglobin level must be 12.5g\/dl minimum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A donor can again donate blood after 3 months of the last donation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pulse rate must be between 50 to 100mm without any irregularities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blood Pressure Diastolic 50 to 100 mm Hg and Systolic 100 to 180 mm Hg.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Body temperature should be normal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What makes you Non-Eligible:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Patients of cardiac arrest, hypertension, kidney disease or epilepsy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consumption of alcohol within the last 24 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- HIV + status<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Having a cold, flu, sore throat, or any other infection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers cannot donate blood.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Myths and Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every year there is a shortage in the actual demand and supply of Blood donations across India. There are many misconceptions regarding blood donations that must be cleared. Here are a few myths and facts about blood donation:
Myth #1: Giving blood hurts.<\/strong>
Fact<\/strong>: The only pain you\u2019ll feel is the quick prick of the needle when it is inserted. The area may be slightly sore afterward, but this settles in a few hours.
Myth #2: Blood donation increases the risk of infections.
<\/strong>Fact: A new sterile needle is used each time someone donates blood and is then immediately discarded. Strict procedures are followed to avoid any kind of infection.
Myth #3: I can\u2019t give blood because I have high cholesterol.
<\/strong>Fact: Having high cholesterol does not disqualify you from donating blood, as long as you are otherwise healthy. Consult your doctor for more details.
Myth #4: I can\u2019t give blood because I am on medication<\/strong>.
Fact: As long as you are healthy, most medications will not disqualify you from donating blood. Speak to your doctor to clear your doubts about this.
Myth #5: Blood donation takes a lot of time.<\/strong>
Fact: The whole procedure of blood donation from the time of registration takes less than 1 hour.
Myth #6: Blood donation lowers your immunity.<\/strong>
Fact: This is completely false. Your body\u2019s immunity level is not affected by blood donation.
Myth #7: Donating blood frequently causes an iron deficiency.<\/strong>
Fact: No, a healthy individual with good eating habits can donate blood four times a year with a gap of three months. It does not affect your iron levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBlood Group Types<\/strong>
There are eight different blood types, and they’re not always compatible with each other. People who have O-negative blood are considered universal donors for the entire population. Here are the further details for quick reference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.kokilabenhospital.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Blood-compatibility.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBlood Donation and COVID-19<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does COVID-19 spread through blood donations?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, this is a reparatory illness and does not spread by blood transfusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone who is not showing any symptoms of COVID-19 currently or has not come in contact with a patient of COVID 19, can donate blood. The fear of the current pandemic and the lockdown has seen a reduction in the number of blood donors. It has caused an unprecedented shortage of blood in the blood bank. There is no substitute for blood. Donate blood, help save lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take these precautions when you go for Blood Donation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Take an appointment to avoid crowds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wear a mask.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carry a hand sanitizer and use it frequently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maintain social distancing while at the hospital.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n