It is important to know the requirements for blood donation, since this altruistic act helps save millions of lives every year. For this very reason, and given the delicate nature of the process, it is necessary to meet all criteria that ensure not only the donor’s health but also the health of the person receiving the blood.
Blood donation is a process through which an individual, voluntarily and without financial compensation, provides part of their blood under strict safety measures and medical supervision for therapeutic purposes. However, it may also be used for research purposes.
This procedure is performed in blood banks, hospitals, or during altruistic blood donation campaigns.
Donated blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets; red blood cells are essential for treating severe anemia, plasma for clotting disorders, and platelets are fundamental for cancer patients or those suffering from severe hemorrhages.
Blood donation, requirements
Although requirements for blood donation may vary from one institution to another, they are generally similar. For example:
- Be between 18 and 65 years old.
- Weigh more than 50 kg (110 lbs).
- Be fasting; the hours vary between blood donation and platelet donation.
- Have no symptoms of an acute illness.
- Never have had hepatitis B or C, or any liver disease.
- Not have HIV or AIDS, nor have had syphilis, gonorrhea, or another sexually transmitted disease within the past year.
- Not have had more than one sexual partner in the last year.
- Not suffer from epilepsy, tuberculosis, severe heart disease, or cancer.
- Not have received an organ transplant.
- Not use drugs.
- Not have had tattoos, piercings, acupuncture, catheterizations, endoscopies, or electronic hair removal in the last year.
Although these are only some of the requirements for blood donation, visit the ABC Medical Center‘s Blood Bank to learn about other requirements, as well as opening hours and the duration of the procedure.
Platelet donation
Platelet donation is carried out through a procedure known as apheresis, which allows only the donor’s platelets to be extracted, while returning the rest of the blood components such as plasma and red blood cells.
Platelets are essential for patients undergoing cancer treatments, people with hematological disorders, or those who have suffered massive hemorrhages; therefore, they are a crucial element in safeguarding these patients’ health.
Disadvantages of blood donation
Unfortunately, many people do not donate blood out of fear or lack of knowledge. The truth is that blood donation is a safe process that offers multiple benefits not only for the recipient but also for the donors themselves.
Still, there are a few disadvantages of donating blood that may occur, but in reality they are minimal:
- Discomfort: there may be mild pain or bruising at the puncture site.
- Fatigue: the loss of blood volume may cause a temporary feeling of weakness or dizziness.
- Temporary anemia: donation decreases hemoglobin and iron levels in the body. If reserves are insufficient, it may result in mild anemia; therefore, a diet rich in iron is recommended after donating.
- Recovery time: red blood cells take several weeks to fully recover, unlike plasma and platelets, which replenish quickly. For this reason, the frequency at which a person can donate whole blood is limited.
Despite the possible disadvantages of blood donation, the benefits far outweigh the risks. This act can mean the difference between life and death for patients in critical condition.
On the other hand, some of the benefits for donors include:
- Detecting underlying diseases thanks to pre-donation screenings.
- Stimulating the production of new blood cells.
Contact a blood bank or a physician if you have doubts about the requirements for blood donation.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Blood Bank, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes
Cigna, Cruz Roja, MSD Manuals
