Why should you donate blood?
Blood is something we all expect to be there for us when we need it, yet only 4% of us give blood. Many people would not be alive today if it wasn’t for the generosity of donors. Statistics show that 25 percent or more of us will require blood at least once in our lifetime.
Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come as a gift from people. A blood donation truly is a “gift of life” that a healthy individual can give to others in their community who are sick or injured. In one hour, a person can donate one unit of blood that can be separated into four individual components that could help save multiple lives.
How badly is blood needed in UAE?
As donor qualifications continue to become stricter and as the donor population ages, our nation is at risk of a low blood supply. If you are eligible, your blood donations are needed.
Who can donate blood?
To donate blood you must be at least 17 years of age, a minimum of 110 pounds, and in basic good health.
Are the health history questions necessary every time I donate?
To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all donors must be asked all the screening questions at each donation to determine eligibility.
Is there anything I should do before I donate?
Be sure to eat well at your regular mealtimes and drink plenty of fluids.
Will donating blood hurt?
You may feel a slight sting in the beginning lasting only a couple of seconds, but there should be no discomfort during the donation.
Are blood donors paid?
No. Blood collected for transfusion in the UAE is given by volunteer blood donors.
Can I contract diseases from donating blood?
No. There is no risk of contracting any transmittable disease through the donation process. Each collection kit is sterile, pre-packaged and used only once.
Do I have enough blood in my body to donate?
Yes. The body contains 10 to 12 pints of blood. Your whole blood donation is approximately one pint.
How much time does it take for my body to replace the blood that I donated?
Not long at all. The volume of fluids will adjust within a few hours of your donation. The red blood cells will be replaced within a few weeks.
How often may I donate?
You may donate whole blood once every 56 days.
What does the term “donor deferral” mean?
Individuals disqualified from donating blood are known as “deferred” donors. A prospective donor may be deferred at any point during the collection and testing process. Whether or not a person is deferred temporarily or permanently will depend on the specific reason for disqualification.
If I was deferred once before, am I still ineligible to donate?
If your deferral is of a permanent nature, you will be informed. Otherwise, the deferral time depends upon the reason for deferral. Prior to each donation, you will be given a mini-physical and medical interview. At that time, it will be determined if you are eligible to donate blood on that particular day.
If I just received a flu shot, can I donate blood?
Yes. There is no waiting period to donate after receiving a flu shot.
If I have a cold or the flu, can I donate blood?
In order to donate, blood centres require that you be in generally good health (symptom-free) and recommend that you are feeling well.
Can I still donate if I have high blood pressure?
Yes, if your blood pressure in under control and within the limits set in the donation guidelines.
What if I have anaemia?
You cannot give blood if you have anaemia. However, this can often be a temporary condition. Your haemoglobin will be tested before you donate to make sure it is at an acceptable level.
How much blood is taken?
For a whole blood donation, approximately one pint (450ml) is collected.
How long will the actual donation process take?
The actual donation takes about 5-10 minutes. The entire donation process, from registration to post-donation refreshments, takes about one hour.
How will I feel after I donate?
Most people feel great after giving blood. If you feel any abnormal symptoms, let a staff member at the blood donation centre or blood drive know. You should avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous exercise for the next 24 hours; otherwise you can resume full activity as long as you feel well.
What types of tests are performed on donated blood?
After blood is drawn, it is tested for ABO group (blood type) and RH type (positive or negative), as well as for any unexpected red blood cell antibodies that may cause problems for the recipient. Screening tests performed are listed below:
How long until my blood is used?
Most blood donations are processed and available for use within 48 hours.
Does donated blood stay on the shelf indefinitely until it is used?
No. Each unit of whole blood normally is separated into several components. Red blood cells may be stored under refrigeration for a maximum of 42 days. Red cells carry oxygen and are used to treat anaemia or blood loss. Platelets are important in the control of bleeding and are generally used in patients with leukaemia and other forms of cancer. Platelets are stored at room temperature and may be kept for a maximum of five days. Fresh frozen plasma, used to control bleeding due to low levels of some clotting factors, is kept in a frozen state for up to one year. Cryoprecipitate, which contains only a few specific clotting factors, is made from fresh frozen plasma and may be stored frozen for up to one year.
Why are there often blood shortages?
Most blood centres strive to maintain an optimum inventory level of a three-day supply. Due to unpredictable demands from trauma incidents the inventory fluctuates hourly. When the blood supply drops below a three-day level, blood centres begin alerting local donors to increase the inventory to a safe operating level
Is there such thing as artificial blood?
Scientists have yet to find a successful substitute for human blood. This is why blood donors are so vital to the lives of those who are in need of blood.
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Mediclinic Welcare Hospital
Website: www.mediclinic.ae
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