THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BLOOD DONATION
Health Education
Did you know that for just a bag of blood, you can save up to three lives? We’re not talking about school bag or women’s shoulder bag here. This bag only consist from 350cc up to 450cc (0.35L to 0.45L). Feeling curious now? If you are, here are the preparations and the things that you should expect on blood donation.
PREPARATION BEFORE BLOOD DONATION
1. Sleep enough.
2. Don’t take alcohol and medications for 24 hours.
3. Eat something before blood donation and avoid fatty foods.
4. Drink plenty of fluid, water or juice.
STEPS IN DONATING BLOOD
1. Weight monitoring.
2. Registration.
3. Blood typing and haemoglobin checking.
4. Blood donor examination.
5. In actual donation, the amount of blood that you can donate will depend on the on your weight and blood pressure. It usually takes 10 minutes or less.
6. A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid-intake are necessary after donation.
WHAT TO DO AFTER BLOOD DONATION
1. Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.
2. Avoid stooping down after blood donation.
3. Avoid difficult activities like:
- Lifting heavy objects;
- Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.; or
- Operating big machines.
4. Do not use the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.
5. Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding.
6. If discoloration and swelling occurs on the punctured site, apply cold compress for 24 hours.
7. If there is dizziness, just lie down with your feet elevated. Drink plenty of juice; and in just a few minutes or so, it will pass.
WHO CAN DONATE BLOOD?
– Are in good health
– Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent);
– Weigh at least 110 pounds;
– Have a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg, Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and
– Pass the physical and health history assessments.