World Blood Donor Day.

To raise awareness about this life-saving procedure, we observe World Blood Donor Day on 14th June every year. For 2022, the World Blood Donor Day slogan is “Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives”.

The day is marked to promote blood donation and urges people to save lives by donating blood. Imagine yourself in a medical emergency where finding the right blood group becomes crucial to survival of your loved one. There is no substitute for blood, it cannot be made or manufactured. Generous blood donors are the only source of blood for patients in need of a blood transfusion. This “World Donor day” let each one of us pledge to donate blood regularly. It is essential and helps keep the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others health. A healthy individual can donate blood every 3 months. Access to blood can be a matter of life or death for people who have faced an accident leading to excessive blood loss or require it for their medical treatment. The noble act of blood donation can save lives.

How Blood Donation helps?

1. Crucial during disasters or emergency situations.
2. Helps patients who lose blood during major surgeries.
3. People who have lost blood because of a gastrointestinal bleed.
4. Helps women who have serious complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
5. Is lifesaving for Cancer patients.
6. Is required for regular blood transfusions for people who have blood disorders e.g Thalassemia and Sickle cell disease patients.

In addition to the satisfaction of helping those in need, donating blood provides you with the following benefits:

• It offers information about our general health status.
• Improves blood flow.
• Helps purify triglycerides.
• Reduces the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular accidents.
• Stimulates the production of new blood cells in the body.
• Balances iron levels in the blood.

Who can Donate Blood?

Most people can give blood if they are in good health.

What makes you Eligible:

• Any donor, who is healthy, fit, and not suffering from any transmittable diseases can donate blood.
• Donors must be above 18 years of age and should weigh minimum 50 kgs.
• The Donor’s Haemoglobin level must be 12.5 minimum.
• Pulse rate must be between 50 to 100mm without any irregularities.
• Should have normal blood pressure levels.
• Body temperature should be normal.

What makes you Non-Eligible:

• Patients of cardiac arrest, hypertension, kidney disease or epilepsy.
• Consumption of alcohol within the last 24 hours.
• Been positive to infectious diseases (HIV-AIDS, Syphilis, Hepatitis, among others).
• Being a drug user
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers cannot donate blood.

Blood Donation: Side Effects

You may have some temporary side effects after donating blood, these include:

1. In case you have a bit of bleeding from the spot where you donated, raise your arm and apply pressure to that spot for a few minutes.
2. If you are feeling lightheaded, lie down for a few minutes until you feel better.
3. If you have bruising in that area, use an ice pack on it.
4. Hydrate yourself with more and more fluids for 24-48 hours after you donate blood.
5. Don’t work out or do any hard physical activity for 24 hours after giving blood.

Myths and Facts
Donating blood is a simple, safe way to help save lives. Don’t let these myths stop you from donating blood. Also, if you have any particular medical condition speak to you doctor about your eligibility to donate blood instead of making assumptions. Donating blood provides a lifesaving gift. It’s a simple thing to do and can make a big difference in the lives of others. Here are some common myths about donating blood and the real facts.

Myth: Blood donation is painful.
Fact: The only pain you’ll feel is the quick prick of the needle when it is inserted. The area may be slightly sore afterward, but any discomfort you feel is minor compared to this noble deed of blood donation.

Myth: It is unsafe to donate blood with my medications.

Fact: Most medications do not interfere with the process of blood donation. However, it is best to speak to your doctor in advance to find out if you are eligible for blood donation.

Myth: Blood donation makes me weak.
Fact: Only about one pint of blood is collected. The average adult has approximately 10 pints of blood, and after donating, your body makes new blood to replenish what is lost. Keep yourself hydrated, your body will replace lost fluids within a few hours and the red and white blood cells in a few days.

Myth: I can contract HIV or other infections.
Fact: A new sterile needle is used each time and is then immediately discarded. Stringent infection control practices are being followed to make this process safe and ensure minimal risk of infection to the donor.

Blood Type Compatibility Chart