The importance of blood donation has been reiterated time and time again over the years. While it’s true that we should share our healthy blood with those that are in dire need of it, it is of utmost importance to understand whether we are eligible to donate blood in the first place. 

Why Blood Donation?

There are quite a few ways in which healthy blood can help the ill:

The stem cell activity increases for those that receive the blood we donate. This will help in the production and regeneration of new cells in the body.
For those patients that have lost a lot of blood, either during surgical procedures, malignant diseases and accidents, blood donation helps replenish the bodies of those that are fighting for their lives.

Benefits to the Donor:

Studies show that those who donate blood once a year are less at risk for blood cancers and circulatory diseases.
Blood donation reduces the amount of iron in the blood, which is beneficial because excess iron is known to cause certain cardiac conditions.

Prerequisites to Donate

The donor should be above 18 and under 65 years of age

The weight of the donor cannot be less than 50 kg 

Haemoglobin levels should be above 12.5g

A medical history should be taken to rule out infectious diseases such as AIDS, Syphilis,

Hepatitis B, C and Malaria 

The donor should not be anaemic

They should also be free of genetic blood diseases 

People with chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers cannot donate blood

Tips to Keep In Mind

Once a potential donor is medically cleared by the medical profession and is allowed to donate blood, they can begin preparations for the donation appointment.

A blood donation can either be done during blood drives or events that cater to the safe extraction and transportation of healthy blood.

To prep for this, make sure you carry a light snack; the hospital or healthcare facility will usually provide you with one after the donation, but it is better to be prepared. 

It will be more beneficial for the donor to have a friend or relative present at the donation time so they can help if an extra pair of hands is needed after the donation.

Remember that feeling lightheaded or dizzy is common, and a prompt dose of sugar will help curb the feeling immediately. Lie down on your back if necessary and lift the legs above the level of the head.

Try not to indulge in intense physical activities after blood donation and focus on getting sufficient energy back.

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to keep body temperatures cool and to attain sufficient nutrients.

Blood donation can be highly beneficial for the donor as well as the patient if done under proper care. A 500ml bottle of healthy blood can save someone’s life, and donors can donate as often as every three months to benefit another person.