While sitting in a reclined position for donation, the volunteer's arm is hooked up to the collection equipment, and he squeezes a stress ball.
Blood donation is a voluntary medical procedure that helps in maintaining a constant supply of blood for situations of emergency, surgery, and chronic illness. In India, the donation process is governed by stringent rules that not only safeguard the health of the donor but also ensure that the blood supplied to recipients is free of any contaminants.
Understanding the procedure at each stage of donation: prior examination of the donor's health and family history; physical check-up; donation process; and post-donation care would help in alleviating anxieties associated with blood donation and thereby ensure greater public cooperation towards this life-saving process in the nation.
The donation of blood is used to treat people who require it for lifesaving therapies, as well as for emergencies where it is vital. When there has been significant blood loss, as in surgery or an accident/ trauma, the administration of blood maintains adequate circulation and oxygen supply to organs while also providing initial stability during hypovolemic shock and preventing organ failure. Patients suffering from following disorders require blood donations consistently:
A donation of blood can also assist when treating disorders during childbirth, where extreme bleeding is the issue. Another situation when transfusions of blood are given to patients is those under chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which decreases their production of blood cells.
Blood is needed so often that there is sometimes not enough blood to meet the demand. By giving a simple donation of blood in India, you can make sure that the demand is not exceeded so that medical care can be supplied to all in need and enhance a person’s survival.
The minimum age limit to be eligible to donate blood in India is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 65 years. Normally, one needs to be above 50 kg, but some centers may also consider donors weighing 45kg, depending on their regulations.
The donor should be in good physical health, that is they should be free from active infections, transmissible diseases, etc., so as to ensure donor safety and recipient safety as well.
The minimum hemoglobin level required for blood donation is 12.5g/dL. This is verified to check for complications like weakness or anemia before the donation process.
The pulse rate needs to be between 50 and 100 beats per minute, and blood pressure must be between 100 and 180 mm Hg (systolic) and 50 and 100 mm Hg (diastolic).
The temperature of the body must be within the normal range at the time of donation, ideally not more than 37.5 °C.
Make sure to sleep well for about 7 to 8 hours the previous night. This helps to maintain the blood pressure at a normal level, preventing weakness or dizziness.
Consume a well-balanced diet about 3 to 4 hours before donating. Take food that is high in iron, such as spinach, dates, or pulses, for healthy haemoglobin levels.
Ensure that you consume plenty of fluid for 24 hours before donating blood. Water, fresh fruit juice, coconut water, or buttermilk can be beneficial. They maintain the volume of the blood and prevent dizziness.
Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before donating blood. Also, avoid fatty foods for 24 hours beforehand. These might affect blood tests.
Choose comfortable, loose clothing for easy accessibility of your arm. If you are susceptible to iron deficiencies, consult your doctor for appropriate supplements.
First, you fill out a registration form where your name and some general information about yourself and your past medical condition are requested.
A preliminary health screening is done by a qualified doctor or nurse. Medical history, pulse rate, blood pressure, temperature check, and hemoglobin count of the donor by finger-prick test are performed.
After finding you medically fit, you are taken to the donation area and made to sit in a comfortable reclined chair or lie down on a bed.
The phlebotomist will clean your arm with an antiseptic solution and insert a sterile needle into a vein of the arm. Generally, 350-450 ml of blood is collected, which will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
After the procedure is completed, the needle is removed, and a sterile bandage is placed over the area. You are then advised to sit for a few minutes and offered refreshment (juice, biscuit, etc.). You should also continue to remain well-hydrated throughout the day and avoid any strenuous activity.
The donated blood is tested for diseases such as malaria, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, and then it is made available to the blood bank for transfusion.
A healthcare provider administers a blood test to a man who calmly looks to the side while sitting on a chair.
Blood donation is a completely safe and regulated medical procedure and helps to save thousands of lives in a variety of clinical scenarios including in emergencies, surgical procedures, treatment of chronic diseases like Thalassemia and during chemotherapy of cancer patients. It is often a life-saving and crucial step which can prevent or manage life threatening situations and disease management and treatment.
Knowing about blood donation process, eligibility criteria and pre donation guidance could make you feel less anxious to make a donation. It is done following thorough screening, with sterile equipments, with minimum risk to healthy blood donors and careful pre and post donation procedures to minimize the risks and benefits health.
1. BloodDonor .in: https://blooddonor.in/blog/blood-donation-process-step-by-step-what-happens-during-your-donation
2. Ayu Health: https://ayuapp.com/tests-procedures/blood-donation
3. Mahesh Foundation (MyBlood): https://www.mybloodindia.org/blood-donation
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