FAQ’s

Q1. What are the criterion for blood donation ?

There are several parameters that determine the eligibility of an individual to donate blood. Guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Health, Government of India have to be followed by blood banks and organizations conducting blood donation camps.

  • Overall health- The donor must be fit and healthy, and should not be suffering from transmittable diseases.
  • Age and weight- The donor must be 18–65 years old and should weigh a minimum of 50 kg.
  • Pulse- Between 50 and 100 without irregularities.
  • Hemoglobin level- A minimum of 12.5 g/dL.
  • Blood Pressure- Diastolic: 50–100 mm Hg, Systolic: 100–180 mm Hg.
  • Body temperature- Should be normal, with an oral temperature not exceeding 37.5 °C.
  • The time period between successive blood donations should be more than 3 months.

Individuals under certain conditions are deemed ineligible to donate blood:

  • A person who has been tested HIV positive.
  • Individuals suffering from ailments like cardiac arrest, hypertension, blood pressure, cancer, epilepsy, kidney ailments and diabetes.
  • A person who has undergone ear/body piercing or tattoo in the past 6 months.
  • Individuals who have undergone immunization in the past 1 month.
  • Individuals treated for rabies or received Hepatitis B vaccine in the past 6 months.
  • A person who has consumed alcohol in the past 24 hours.
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Individuals who have undergone major dental procedures or general surgeries in the past 1 month.
  • Women who have had miscarriage in the past 6 months.
  • Individuals who have had fits, tuberculosis, asthma and allergic disorders in the past.

Q2. Why should I donate blood ?

Safe blood saves lives and improves health. Blood transfusion is needed for:

  • women with complications of pregnancy, such as ectopic pregnancies and haemorrhage before, during or after childbirth;
  • children with severe anaemia often resulting from malaria or malnutrition;
  • people with severe trauma following man-made and natural disasters; and
  • many complex medical and surgical procedures and cancer patients.

It is also needed for regular transfusions for people with conditions such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease and is used to make products such as clotting factors for people with haemophilia.

There is a constant need for regular blood supply because blood can be stored for only a limited time before use. Regular blood donations by a sufficient number of healthy people are needed to ensure that safe blood will be available whenever and wherever it is needed.

Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person — the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets and plasma — which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.

Q3. How does blood donation work ?

Donating a unit of blood takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Medical equipment is sterile, used only once, and then discarded. The actual donation process works like this:

1) You will complete donor registration, which includes your name, address, phone number, donor identification number (if you have one), and other related information.

2) You will be asked to show your donor card or other identification.

3) You will be asked some questions about your health, travel history, and lifestyle or risk behaviors. All information is confidential.

4) You will receive a mini “health exam”, including checks for blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. In addition, a drop of blood will be obtained from your finger to make sure that you have enough red blood cells to safely donate.

5) You will proceed to a donor bed where your arm will be cleaned with antiseptic. If you are allergic to iodine, be sure to tell the phlebotomist so an alternate antiseptic may be used.

6) You will have a blood unit and blood specimens drawn.

7) You will receive snacks and beverages while you wait for about 15 minutes after donation. Waiting periods are different in different states.

Donating blood is a simple process. Your gift of blood may help three people or more. Donated red blood cells have a shelf-life of up to 42 days. A healthy donor may donate every 56 days.

Q4. Are blood banks selling my blood?

Blood banks run on neither profit nor loss basis, following Supreme Court’s verdict. Charges levied on recipients are purely administrative charges such as maintenance, charges for bag etc. There is no profit motive involved.

Q5. I am extremely busy.How can I spare time for blood donation ?

The entire blood donation process is optimized and does not take more than 15 minutes. The actual donation takes 5 minutes. Remaining 10 minutes are required for prior examination as well as the resting period post donation including refreshments.

Q6. Will I be weak after blood donation.

This is purely a myth. The amount of blood taken is nearly 350-450 ml. Your body stocks almost 5-6 liters of blood at any given time. Your body immediately starts working towards replenishing this blood and it does this within a day.