How can donating blood help me?

Did you know that in 90 minutes, you can save not just one but three lives? In India, somebody needs blood every two seconds[1]. Donating blood, platelets, and plasma regularly enables you to help those in need while boosting your health and happiness. Indian hospitals require 15 million units of blood annually. Unfortunately, we only collect 11 million units each year[2]. Many countries struggle to meet demands and ensure safe blood transfusions for patients. The World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Federation of Blood Donor Organisations, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cross Societies, and the International Society of Blood Transfusion commemorate World Blood Donor Day on 14th June every year. They hope to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood and plasma often to help create a sustainable and healthy society. As we mark World Blood Donor Day in 2023, let’s better understand the benefits of donating blood.

Most of us join blood donation drives in schools or colleges, where we learn about our blood group and donate a unit of blood. However, you can donate blood in four different ways as an adult.

Whole blood donations are the most common. Individuals can donate a pint of blood in about 15 minutes. The blood you donate can get divided into red blood cells and plasma. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only six weeks, but you can donate blood every 60 days. 

Platelets aid blood clotting efforts. Most often, patients undergoing surgery or cancer treatment require platelet donations. Donating platelets can take 90 minutes, during which you get hooked to a machine that separates your platelets and some plasma from the blood. It returns your red blood cells and most of the plasma to you. Platelets only last for five days. You can donate platelets 24 times a year with a gap of seven days between donations.

Plasma makes up 50% of your blood volume. It helps control bleeding and fight infections. Hospitals and blood banks can freeze plasma for up to one year. It takes about 40 minutes to donate plasma. During that time, a machine filters your plasma and returns the red blood cells to your body. You can donate plasma every 28 days.

During blood transfusions, red blood cells are the most commonly transfused component. You can choose to donate double red cells to help patients. The machine used for the process collects only red blood cells and returns the plasma and platelets to your body. The process takes 40 minutes, and you can donate double red blood cells every 16 weeks.

Doctors and healthcare professionals cannot manufacture blood, plasma or platelet substitutes. Your donations help patients who require transfusions. A single donation can help save up to three lives. 

You enjoy a few health benefits when you donate blood to save lives. Let’s see how blood donations boost your well-being.

When you donate blood, you get a mini medical exam. Doctors check your height, weight and vital signs to ensure you are fit enough. These tests help detect high blood pressure and infectious diseases. You also learn your blood type, which can help you get prompt treatment and blood transfusions in the future.

Research suggests that people who donate blood regularly could enjoy lower blood pressure and a lower heart attack risk. Regular donations help lower blood viscosity for people with high haemoglobin. Lower blood viscosity reduces the risk of clots and heart attacks.

Giving blood helps you help others. Those who engage with their community and complete acts of service tend to enjoy healthier and longer lives. 

Now that you know all the blood donation benefits, here are a few things you should remember before giving blood.

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to help technicians find your veins. If you’re dehydrated, your veins get depressed, making it difficult to draw blood.

Giving blood can take a toll on your body and energy. Ensure you eat well before donating and enjoy the provided snack. Your body requires around 500 calories to replace the lost blood.

Ensure you complete your exercise before donating blood. Avoid exercising and other strenuous activities after giving blood. It can cause dizziness.

Doctors recommend that young individuals who give blood regularly consume iron-rich foods or iron supplements to maintain adequate levels.

You cannot donate blood when you have an active illness or if you received a blood transfusion over the previous 12 months. Be honest about your medical conditions before donating blood to avoid future health issues. 

Every time you donate blood, you can help save three lives. On World Blood Donor Day, visit a hospital or blood bank near you to donate blood and help those in urgent need of red blood cells, platelets and plasma. By helping others, you can help yourself and take care of your health. Consider donating blood regularly and helping Indian hospitals meet blood requirements and save lives.

ARN: Zuno/Blog/0623/11                                                                                                                             All rights reserved.