Expat’s Guide: Donating blood

One of the easiest ways to help out in your community is to donate blood regularly or join blood drives and other bloodletting activities. These may take some time, but the blood you donate today will help someone tomorrow.

IT’S NEEDED EVERY DAY. There isn’t a day when a surgery or a transfusion is not happening. Let’s do our part and donate blood. Image grabbed from Philippine Red Cross Facebook page

There are, however, people who are still clueless about donating blood. Here’s what you need to know about donating blood:

Why donate blood?

1. Improves your overall health. Donating blood regularly helps you just as much as you help others. It balances your blood iron levels, too much of which has been linked to an increase in heart attacks. You lose a quarter-gram of iron for every unit donated. It also promotes creation of new blood cells and improves your blood flow.
2. Free mini-medical check-up. You’re given a short physical exam every time you donate blood, and it’s always free. That’s a free mini-check up every 3 months that includes a hemoglobin check, blood type and blood pressure check, along with a short physical exam and a check of your medical history.
3. Blood saves lives. We don’t need to tell you that there’s a constant need for blood. It may even save yours if ever the time comes.

How to donate blood

Before you head for the nearest Red Cross Blood Service Facility or the next bloodletting activity, make sure you’re:

• In good health;
• Are between the ages of 16 and 65 (A parent’s consent is needed if you’re under 18);
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.;
• Have a blood pressure that’s between 90-160 mmHg/60-100 mmHg;
• Pass the physical and health history assessment

HOW TO DONATE. Make sure you’re qualified to donate blood before you follow these steps. Image grabbed from Philippine Red Cross Facebook page

You should also remember the following before donating blood:

1. Have enough rest and sleep.
2. No alcohol or medicine intake 24 hours prior to donating blood.
3. Have something to eat before donating blood, but be sure to avoid fatty food.
4. Drink plenty of fluids, like water or juice.

During the blood donation:

1. Have your weight taken.
2. Register and complete the donor registration form.
3. Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.
4. The attending physician will then conduct a short medical exam.
5. Actual donation, which takes about 10 minutes. The amount of blood you’ll donate (350cc or 450cc) will depend on your weight and blood pressure.

After donating blood:

1. Rest for 5-10 minutes while drinking plenty of fluids.
2. Do not stoop down after donating blood, you might feel lightheaded or dizzy especially if it’s your first time.
3. If you do feel dizzy, just lie down with your feet elevated. Drink plenty of water or juice; the dizziness will pass after a few minutes.
4. Refrain from strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects, driving big vehicles, or operating big machines.
5. If you can’t avoid lifting, at least do not use the punctured arm (arm where they took blood from) to lift.
6. Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case it’s still bleeding.
7. If the site is discolored and swollen, apply a cold compress for the next 24 hours.

Armed with this information, you should be ready to donate blood every 3 months, the ideal gap between blood donations. For any questions related to blood donation, you can visit redcross.org.ph or head for the nearest blood service facility. Here’s a list of Red Cross Blood Service Facilities.

 

Source: The Freeman, Red Cross – How to donate blood