People who donate blood save thousands of lives each year. One unit of blood can actually help several people. Different components of blood can be used separately to save lives. Giving blood is a fairly simple process that can be done every 56 days. Since the average person has 10 to12 pints of blood in his body, donating just one will not do any harm. Any person who is 16 years old or older, weighs at least 110 pounds and is in good health can donate blood at the local blood center.
Questionnaire
First, you will have to show identification at the blood center. Then you will have to answer a series of questions before being approved to donate blood. These will include some questions about your recent travel history, your current health and your sexual history. It is imperative to answer these questions honestly. These are important questions that can help determine if you are an eligible candidate for blood donation. The answers are never divulged to others.
Hemoglobin Test
You will also have a finger-stick blood test done to check your hemoglobin to be certain that you are not anemic. If you are anemic, you will be deferred, or not allowed to donate blood at that time. This is done for your own health benefit. It does not mean that you will never be able to give blood. You may return at another time and have your hemoglobin checked again. If your level is normal at that time, you will be allowed to donate.
Deferments
You may be deferred or not allowed to donate for a variety of reasons other than being anemic. There are certain medications that will cause you to be deferred. Certain aspects of your sexual history can also cause deferment. You can also be asked not to donate if you have traveled to certain countries during certain years. These specifics can change as new guidelines are established. It is always important to answer all questions honestly.
Procedure
Once you are approved to donate blood, you will be seated in a reclining chair. The phlebotomist will clean your arm with an antiseptic, frequently iodine. If you are allergic to iodine, tell the technician before he begins cleansing your arm. A new blood collection kit will be used to draw your blood. Once the pint is collected, usually in under 10 minutes, your arm will be bandaged and you will be encouraged to go have some cookies and juice or other refreshment.
Afterward
Typically, you feel no ill effects after donating, but if you do, you should tell the blood center staff immediately. You should increase your fluid intake for the next day or two and be certain to eat well-balanced meals for at least the next 24 hours. You should avoid strenuous exercise for about five hours after donation, and you should avoid alcohol and cigarettes. If there is any bleeding under your bandage, you should elevate your arm and apply pressure. If you notice a bruise or bump in the area afterward, you can apply ice for the first 24 hours and then warm compresses a few times a day until the bruise disappears.
Facts
One pint of blood is separated into red cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitated anti-hemophilic factor (AHF). Red cells can be given to patients who are in surgery or have suffered some sort of trauma that has caused them to lose blood. Plasma is typically given to people with blood clotting problems. Platelets and AHF can be given to patients who have had organ transplants or have cancer to help with blood clotting. So, that one pint of blood you donate can actually help many individuals.
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