Give the gift of life… your blood

Eat something light at least four hours before donating

June 14, 2021

Samantha Traill 1 minute read

donating blood for transfusions : Blood donation and blood donor, hemolytic transfusion bank concept.

Donate the gift of life and help save someone else’s life.

National Blood Donor month takes place from June 1 until June 30 and World Blood Donor Day is today.

Donor blood often means the difference between life and death in a trauma situation.

On average an adult carries between four and five litres (approximately 10 units) of blood.

Donors give one unit of blood (475ml), which is replaced within 24 hours.

The best part of donating blood is that it only takes 10 minutes; before you know the donation will be over.

Blood is made up of four parts; red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

One unit of blood can save up to three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

You can donate blood if:

You are between the ages of 16 and 75. If you’re over 74, you will need consent from your doctor to donate.
You will need to weigh at least 50kg, you lead a safe lifestyle and you are medically healthy.
Eat something light at least four hours before donating.

You can give blood as often as every eight weeks and a unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation so it’s important to donate blood regularly.

Make that decision today and make your donation.

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