If you want to donate blood, it is important to know in advance the conditions for donating blood. This is because not everyone can donate blood. Healthy blood means a lot to those who need blood transfusions.
Blood donation is the activity of giving or donating blood voluntarily. Blood is often needed by people who are seriously injured or suffer from certain diseases, such as anemia, thalassemia, and blood cancer.
Unfortunately, not everyone can donate blood. In order for the blood donation process to run smoothly and safely, both for donors and recipients of blood, there are several conditions for blood donation that must be met.
Various Terms of Blood Donation
The following are some basic requirements that must be met by people who want to donate blood:
- 17–70 years old
- Minimum weight 45 kg
- Normal blood pressure values or ranges from 90/60–120/80 mmHg
- Hemoglobin level is about 12.5-17 g/dL and not more than 20 g/dL
- The time interval for the last blood donation is at least 3 months or 12 weeks, if you have previously been a blood donor
- Not being sick or having certain complaints, such as weakness or fever
- Willing to donate blood voluntarily with consent informed consent
Blood donors must also have good health conditions and do not have certain diseases that can be transmitted through blood. In addition, there are several other conditions that a blood donor should not have, including:
- Suffering from certain diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, lung problems, or impaired kidney function
- Have high or low blood pressure
- Suffering from epilepsy or frequent seizures
- Have an infectious disease or are at high risk of contracting an infectious disease, such as syphilis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or malaria
- Taking drugs or taking certain medications
- Have a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia
- Have a history of drug use in the form of injections
- Have an addiction to liquor
Women who are menstruating can still be a donor, as long as they are not in pain or their hemoglobin level is normal when donating blood.
Tell the truth about your health condition and lifestyle to the donor staff before donating blood. This is to ensure that your health will not be compromised and to avoid the risks that the recipient may experience.
Things to Pay Attention to Before and After Blood Donation
Before donating blood, make sure your body condition is healthy and fit. To maintain blood quality before donating blood, avoid consuming fatty foods and try to get enough protein, vitamin C, and iron intake. In addition, drink lots of water.
You are also advised not to do physical activity or strenuous exercise and not to drink alcohol for at least 1 day before donating blood.
Before taking blood, the health worker will perform a physical examination and evaluate whether you are eligible to become a blood donor. During blood collection, a sterile needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm.
Blood donation generally lasts 5–10 minutes and the amount of blood drawn is at least 470 ml. However, you do not need to worry about lack of blood, because the body will naturally produce blood again.
Usually, your blood volume will return to normal after a few weeks after undergoing blood donation.
When the blood draw is complete, you will be given food and drink to prevent or relieve any dizziness and weakness you may experience. You will be left to rest for approximately 1 hour. After that, you are allowed to go home if you do not feel certain complaints.
To stay safe after donating blood, here are some things you need to pay attention to and do:
- Do not remove the tape on the needle puncture site for at least 6 hours after donating blood.
- Avoid smoking for at least 2 hours after donating blood.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat foods that contain iron, such as meat and beans, or take iron supplements.
Basically, blood donation is a safe medical procedure. Most people do not feel any significant side effects or complaints after donating blood.
However, sometimes blood donation can cause side effects, such as mild pain or bruising at the injection site and dizziness. If you feel certain complaints after donating blood, you can consult a doctor for treatment.