Are you Eligible to donate blood?
The National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) says “Any healthy adult, both male and female, can donate blood. Men can donate safely once in every three months while women can donate every four months”. Here are some more points to keep in mind as stated by NBTC:
- A person should fall in the age group of 18-65 years
- The donor should not weigh less than 45kgs
- Body temperature and pulse of the donor should be normal
- The systolic and diastolic blood pressures are within normal limits
- Haemoglobin should not be less than 12.5 grams
- In case of pregnant women, the woman should have delivered 1 year ago and stopped lactation
- Should Not have been treated for malaria in last 3 months or 3 years if residing in endemic areas
- Should NOT have had shots for any of the following - Cholera, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Plague, Gamma Globulin in last 15 days; Rabies vaccination in last 1 year
- Should NOT have had any Tattoo/Acupuncture in the last 12 months
- Arms & Forearms should be free from Skin punctures or Scars which are indicative of Intravenous drug use or frequent blood donations.
- Should NOT have any forms of cancer
- Should NOT have Hepatitis B, C, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, HIV.
- Should NOT have any Heart diseases.
- Should NOT have Epilepsy, Asthma on Steroids, Bleeding disorders, Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Polycythemia Vera.
- You cannot give blood if injected drugs intravenously, even once.
- Certain medications may pose a risk to the donor or recipient, and if you're taking them you will not be able to give blood.
Who Needs Blood And Blood Products?
As per WHO, Blood and blood products are essential to care for:
- Women with pregnancy and childbirth associated bleeding;
- Children with severe anaemia due to malaria and malnutrition;
- Patients with blood and bone marrow disorders, inherited disorders of hemoglobin and immune deficiency conditions;
- People with traumatic injuries in emergencies, disasters and accidents; and
- Patients undergoing advanced medical and surgical procedures.
How Can You Help?
As a responsible citizen, here are some ways in which you can contribute as stated by WHO:
- Become a blood donor today and help make the world a healthier place.
- Commit to being a regular donor and give blood throughout the year.
- Encourage your friends and family to become regular blood donors.
- Volunteer with the blood service to reach out to members of your community, provide care to donors, and help manage blood donation sessions/drives.
- Find out your blood type and register as a blood donor.
- Participate in World Blood Donor Day with your social networks.
