In recognition of World Blood Donor Day on 14 June, here is a guide to donating blood at a time when it matters the most.
Before donating, you need to meet the following criteria:
- 16 years or older
- In good health
- Weigh more than 50kg
- Lead a sexually safe lifestyle
- Eat before you donate.
You will be required to fill in a health questionnaire that requires you to tick yes or no blocks to various questions on physical health.
Afterwards, your paperwork is processed, your blood pressure is taken and your finger is pricked to test your hemoglobin count.
If you have met all the required criteria and passed the initial checks, you are then clear to donate.
Watch the moment that makes you a donor:
Thatayaone Mosasane, public relations practitioner for the Northgate Blood Donor Centre, said the South African National Blood Service needs regular and committed donors as it is not helpful when an individual donates only one day out of the year.
“This is one of the times in the year when our blood stock is lowest because some of our regular donors cannot donate because they have the flu. Others don’t come out because of the cold or their regular donation spots, such as schools, are closed for the holidays,” Mosasane said.
According to Mosasane, when someone donates for the first time, the donated blood cannot be used in case the person is in the ‘window period’ of HIV when the virus cannot be detected. Different components in blood have different lifespans. Blood plasma is the only component that can be frozen and used after 56 days when an individual is allowed to donate again. If that individual does not return to donate within less than a year, none of the blood components can be used.
After you have given blood, you are advised to increase your fluid intake; apply pressure to the needle site if it starts to bleed; and to sit with your head on your knees if you feel dizzy. It is also advisable not to lift heavy objects after donating.
Details: Northgate Blood Donor Centre, 011 794 5756.
