Donate Blood Save Life..

A blood donation occurs when a person voluntarily has blood drawn and used for transfusions or made into medications by a process called fractionation.

Blood donation is one of the noblest works. But, in spite of the various reasons, for donating blood and encouraging others to do it. Need of the hour is to make people aware about the facts and myths regarding blood donation. So that people can contribute by without any fear or doubt. Many organizations organize blood donation camps but they get only few participants, this is a pitiable condition. There are too many myths associated with this noble cause that should be completely eradicated as soon as possible.

Blood Facts

• Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
• Blood carries to the body nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen
• Blood carries away from the body waste matter and carbon dioxide.
• Blood fights against infection and helps heal wounds, keeping you healthy.
• Blood makes up about 7% of your body's weight.
• A newborn baby has about one cup of blood in his or her body.
• White blood cells are the body's primary defence against infection.
• Granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, roll along blood vessel walls to search and destroy bacteria.
• Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.
• There are about one billion red blood cells in two to three drops of blood.
• Red blood cells live about 120 days in the circulatory system.
• Blood platelets help clotting and give those with leukemia and other cancers a chance to live.

Tips on Blood Donation

• Have a good meal at least 3 hours before donating blood.
• Accept the snacks offered to you after the donation, it is vital that you have them. You are recommended to have a good meal later.
• Avoid smoking on the day before donating. You can smoke 3 hours after donation.
• You will not be eligible to donate blood if you have consumed alcohol 48 hours before donation.

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Misconceptions about donating blood

• "I will feel drained and tired after donating" - You will not feel drained or tired if you continue to drink fluids and have a good meal.
•   "I cannot resume normal activities" - You can resume all your normal activities, though you're asked to refrain.
•  "I will have low blood" - If you are okayed to donate by the doctor you will still have surplus blood after the donation.
•  "I can't take alcohol..." - You can on the next day.
•  "It will be painful while donating" - No, you will not feel any pain.
•  "I will feel dizzy and may faint" - You will not faint or feel uncomfortable after donating blood.
•  "I may get AIDS!" - No! Make sure disposable syringes are used and all measures are taken to keep you germ free.
•  "My blood is common. I don't think there will be demand for it" - That is why the demand for your type is greater than for rare types.

Here is some useful information about Blood donation:

1.      Universal Donor: O- (negative) group

2.      Universal Receiver: AB+( positive) group

3.      Life of Blood Storage:

§    Whole Blood : 35 Days

§    RBC: 42 Days

§    RDP: 5 Days

§    FFP and Cryo: 1Year

Myths And Facts About Blood Donation

Myths

1.     Blood donation leads to weakness.

2.     Government hospitals prohibit blood from private Blood Banks.

3.     Blood Bank is a commercial and profit making activity.

4.     Women and girls cannot donate blood.

Facts

1.     Blood donation never leads to weakness it moreover brings in new energy.

2.    According to the NOC issued by the Government of India, government hospitals can take blood       from any licensed Blood Bank.

3.     Blood Bank is completely a no profit, no loss service.

4.     Any healthy person, weighing more than 45 kgs. and in the age group of 18 to 60 can donate blood    irrespective of their gender.

MYTH: You don’t need me. You have plenty of donors.

FACT: Patients need you! Only about 5% of the eligible population takes the time to donate blood. Blood can not be manufactured in the laboratory. The only source for this lifesaving resource is volunteer blood donors. Approximately 32,000 units are used each day in the U.S.

MYTH: I don’t have time to donate blood.

FACT: Donating blood only takes approximately an hour of your time. The majority of that time is spent filling out a medical questionnaire and checking vital signs. The actual donation process takes about 10 minutes.

MYTH: I can’t give blood because I’m afraid of needles.

FACT: Most people do feel a bit of nervousness about blood donation. Most also say after their donation that they’re sorry they waited so long. Blood donation is a momentary discomfort for the donor that can provide a lifetime of a difference for the patient.

MYTH:When there is a requirement, blood can be manufactured.

FACT: Blood is not something that can be manufactured. It can only come from healthy human beings.

MYTH:Blood donation can tell if one is HIV positive.

FACT: HIV antibodies can take months to develop after infection with the virus. Those recently infected may have a negative test result and yet be able to infect others. It is better not to donate blood if at risk of getting HIV or other infections.

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MYTH: I can’t give blood because I have epilepsy or seizures.

FACT: Epilepsy or seizures do not disqualify you from donating as long as you have had no seizures for one year.

MYTH:I can’t donate because I’m anemic.

FACT: Your hemoglobin (iron) level will be checked prior to donating blood. As long as levels are normal on the day of donation, you may give.

MYTH:I can’t give blood because I had a flu shot.

FACT: In fact, you may donate blood the same day you receive the vaccination.

MYTH: Being a vegetarian, means that the blood does not have enough iron and cannot be donated.

FACT: Vegetarians can donate blood. The iron needed is taken from body stores and once a balanced diet is maintained is replaced after donation. This usually normally takes a month or so.

MYTH: Blood lasts forever.

FACT: Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days under refrigeration. Platelets last only 5 days. Every day the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center must collect 500 units of blood.

MYTH: People with tattoos and piercings can not be blood donors.

FACT: Donors who have recently received a tattoo may be accepted, provided the procedure was done at a licensed facility in Texas. Donors must provide the name of the licensed business and the city in Texas where the business is located.

MYTH: I can’t give blood because I have seasonal allergies.

FACT: Allergies, even those that need to be controlled by medication, will not prevent you from donating blood.

MYTH:Health deteriorates after donating blood.

FACT: If you are healthy prior to donation, your recovery is complete in a day or two. It is advised to rest a while after donating. Drinking enough liquids replaces the lost fluid within a couple of hours. The body produces new cells faster after a donation. All the RBCs are replaced within 3-4 days and WBCs within 3 weeks.

MYTH:you cannot take part in sports or other physical activities after donating blood.

FACT: Giving blood does not interfere with ability to perform physically. Advice to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous workouts for the rest of the day is given after the donation. You can get back on track the next day.

MYTH: I can’t give blood because I have high blood pressure.

FACT: As long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of your donation, you may give blood. Furthermore, medications that you may be taking for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating.

MYTH: All medications and antibiotics defer you from donating blood.

FACT: Taking medications is NOT an automatic deferral. Most are perfectly acceptable. Since there are many different medications, the easiest thing to do is call the Center to ask. Anyone who is currently taking antibiotics for an infection will be deferred until 24 hours after the last dose. Donors unsure of the medication used will be deferred for a 28 day period.

MYTH: HIV or other infections can be contracted from donating blood.

FACT: A clear procedure exists for taking blood from each donor. Sterility is maintained at all steps. A sterile, new needle is used for each donation and is then properly discarded. Use of sterile equipment and technique limits the chance of infection.

MYTH:Age is a deterrent to blood donation.

FACT: Anyone up to the age of 60 who is fit and healthy can give blood.

MYTH:Heavy people are healthier and have more blood to give.

FACT: Being overweight makes people less healthy. Overweight people do not have more blood.

MYTH: I can’t give blood because I have high cholesterol.

FACT: A high cholesterol level does not disqualify you from donating–even if medication is used to control it. In fact, when you donate blood with CBCO you will get a FREE cholesterol screening!

MYTH:I can’t give blood because I had cancer.

FACT: While some types of cancer may disqualify you from donating, there are many circumstances under which you may donate blood after an appropriate waiting period. Please contact CBCO for more information.

MYTH: Diabetics can not donate blood.

FACT: Type II diabetics (non-insulin dependent) are eligible to donate blood provided the diabetes is controlled by diet and/or oral antidiabetic drugs. Diabetics taking injectable insulin may donate blood if they are stabilized and have not changed their insulin dosage within 2 weeks of donating.