When can you donate blood safely?

Types of blood donations

Whole blood donation

This is the most common type of donation, where a whole unit of blood, or about half a litter, is drawn. This unit contains all the components of blood, including platelets, plasma, and red blood cells.

Apheresis

It is the process of withdrawing blood and separating its different components to obtain one component, whether it is platelets, red blood cells, or blood plasma, and then returning the remaining blood to the donor.

Platelets Donation

During this donation, platelets are collected; they stop bleeding by forming safe plugs in the blood vessels. Cancer patients, patients prone to clots, and those who have undergone organ transplants or complex surgeries usually need them.

Double red cell donation

Through this type of donation, the donor provides a concentrated amount of red blood cells responsible for delivering oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. These cells are received by people who have suffered severe blood loss due to an injury or serious accident and those who suffer from anemia or low hemoglobin.

Plasma Donation

It is a donation through which plasma is collected, which helps stop bleeding and contains antibodies that help fight infections. Plasma is given to people in emergencies to stop bleeding.

Benefits of donating blood

You may be surprised that donating blood benefits your mental and physical health. Mental health experts confirm that donating blood helps:

• Reducing stress.
• Improving mental state.
• Getting rid of negative feelings.
• Gaining a sense of belonging and getting rid of isolation and loneliness.

As for the benefits for physical health, they are:

• Get a free check-up

The blood donor undergoes a comprehensive checkup at the blood donation centers before blood is drawn. The medical staff checks the pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and hemoglobin levels in the blood. Ensure that you are not infected with certain diseases, as the blood is also tested to ensure that it is free of these diseases: hepatitis B, AIDS, hepatitis C, West Nile virus, syphilis, and other blood-borne diseases.

• Maintaining heart and cardiovascular health

Some medical studies have shown that those who donate blood at least once a year are less likely to develop heart and cardiovascular diseases.

Blood donation guidelines

• The donor must be healthy and not suffer from chronic or infectious diseases.
• The donor must be at least 18 years old and not more than 65 years old.
• The donor must not weigh less than fifty kilograms.
• The hemoglobin level should be between 12-14 for women and between 14-17 for men.
• The donor must not suffer from high temperature or blood pressure.
• After donating
• Wait at the donation center or hospital for at least a quarter of an hour.
• Drink enough fluids.
• Avoid harsh physical activity for a whole day.
• Rest and lie down immediately if you feel dizzy.
• Eat foods rich in iron to replace what was lost in the donation.
• Visit the emergency room if you experience any sudden symptoms such as fainting, swelling at the site of the blood draw, high temperature, or vomiting.

Who can't donate blood?

• Those who feel general fatigue or exhaustion: You must wait until the symptoms disappear before going to the blood donation center.
• People with influenza or a cold should wait three days after symptoms disappear before donating blood.
• Cancer patients.
• Anyone who has had any viral hepatitis.
• People infected with the Coronavirus.
• People living with HIV/AIDS.
• Anyone with any blood disease.
• People taking blood thinners.
• Anyone who has recently been in an accident or has had surgery has not yet fully recovered.
• Those who take certain medications, especially blood thinners.
• Pregnant women.

Best Foods and Drinks for Blood Donors

• Iron-rich foods include red meat, chicken, turkey, fish of all kinds, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, beets, beans, and fruits such as watermelon, dates, figs, and dried fruits.
• Foods rich in vitamin C Vitamin C is an essential element for facilitating iron absorption. The most prominent foods rich in this vitamin are citrus fruits, kiwi, cantaloupe, mango, berries, and pineapple.
• Drink enough water. Water makes up half of the blood, so it is important for the donor to be adequately hydrated so that he can give blood without becoming dehydrated.

Foods and drinks to avoid before donating blood

• Alcoholic beverages.
• Fatty foods.
• Foods that hinder iron absorption, such as coffee and tea, and foods rich in calcium, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and chocolate.

The Takeaway,

Donating blood can save someone's life. If you meet the criteria for donating and do not suffer from any health problems, donate blood once or twice a year. There are psychological and physical benefits, and you are doing great good. It is essential to adhere to safety instructions, eat healthy food rich in iron, and drink sufficient water before and after donating. Go to the emergency room if you experience negative symptoms after donating.