Have you ever thought of giving your blood to help others? Some people may already have, but they’re afraid they won’t be accepted. If you type in “donate” into a search engine, the results seem to be endless. What if you’re not sure whether you’ll be able to donate? To ensure that given blood is safe for those who receive it, blood donation procedures may seem like a nuisance. In addition, 38 per cent of Americans are qualified to give blood, so you’ll be able to help save someone’s life.
Donating platelets or plasma (cell fragments that produce clotting) instead of whole blood is an option for those who choose not to give their whole blood supply to the cause (the liquid that contains antibodies and clotting factors). In this post, we’ll concentrate on whole blood donation and offer you a breakdown of who can and can’t donate and what to anticipate if you choose to donate blood.
What are the advantages of donating blood?
In addition to making a person’s life better for the recipient, blood donation also aids the donor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the health advantages of donating blood.
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Hemochromatosis is avoided
Hemochromatosis risk is lowered with blood donation. Excessive iron absorption in the body causes hemochromatosis, a medical disorder. If you have alcoholism, anaemia, or other health issues, you may have this condition. Iron excess may be reduced by donating blood regularly. Check whether the donor is eligible to donate blood under the federal guidelines.
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Cancer Prevention Results
Donating blood has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. The body’s iron reserves are kept healthy via blood donation. Lower risk of cancer is associated with a decrease in the body’s iron levels.
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Keeps the heart and liver healthy
Iron excess in the body may lead to heart and liver disease. However, blood donation can help alleviate this problem. Because the human body can only absorb a finite amount of iron, extra iron is deposited in the heart, liver, and pancreas. Cirrhosis, liver failure, pancreatic damage, and cardiac abnormalities such as irregular heart rhythms are all more likely as a result. Donating blood helps keep iron levels stable and minimises the risk of a variety of health problems.
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Loss of weight
By regularly donating blood, donors lose weight. People who are overweight or at risk for cardiovascular disease will benefit from this. However, you should see your doctor before giving blood to prevent health complications.
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Stimulates the production of blood cells
A person’s body tries to replace blood lost when they donate blood. Helps preserve optimum health by promoting the growth of new blood cells.
Keep looking for blood donation posters around you if you don’t want to miss a chance to do this noble job and reap so many benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Donating Blood
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There is a minimum age for blood donation.
The minimum age for donating blood is 17 years old. Donating blood has no maximum age limit as long as you are in good health and have no limits on your activities.
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High Blood Pressure
Donation is acceptable if your systolic (first number) and diastolic (second number) blood pressures are under 180 and 100, respectively. You may still donate if you are on medication for high blood pressure.
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Piercing
It is against the rules to donate if you have had your tongue, nose, belly button, or genitals pierced within the last year. Ear piercings are not a required criterion to be a donor.
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Flu or Fever
If you have a fever or a productive cough, don’t get a cold or flu shot (bringing up phlegm). If you are not feeling well on the donation day, you should postpone it. Wait until your sinus, throat, or lung infection has been treated with antibiotics.
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Diabetic
In case you are worried about can diabetics donate blood, read on. Whether or not you use medication to manage the disease, it’s ok for you to donate blood if your diabetes is controlled.
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Food
Donors should eat a meal at least four hours before donating blood. Drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated.
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Sexual Intercourse
As of 1977, when the AIDS crisis began in the United States, males who had had intercourse with other men were no longer allowed to donate blood. This is because MSM has a higher chance of contracting HIV, hepatitis B, and other illnesses that may be spread via blood transfusions.
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Tattoo
If you are wondering can a person with a tattoo donate blood, the answer is yes! As long as no risk concerns restrict or limit blood donation, most tattooed individuals may give blood.
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Weight
To be eligible for blood donation, you must be at least 110 pounds. The amount of blood in the body is directly proportional to one’s weight. It is possible that donors who weigh less than 110 pounds will not be able to withstand the removal of the necessary amount of blood. As long as your weight does not exceed the weight restriction of the donor bed or couch, there is no maximum weight limit. You may talk to your local health historian about any weight restrictions on mattresses and sofas.
Donors will also be evaluated based on the following factors. However, this list is not exhaustive:
- Haemoglobin, travel, cancer, medication, hepatitis, and HIV risk are all associated with each other, as are various other factors.
- Intravenous drug abusers: HIV, HBV, HCV, and HTLV infections.
- Those candidates for a life-saving organ or tissue transplant are called transplant patients.
- As a precautionary measure, anyone who has recently gone or resided in particular countries may be barred from participating. The disease that causes dementia is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Wrap up
So, get on to the internet and start browsing “blood donation camp near me”. It’s usually a good idea to set up a blood drive ahead of time. If you have any health difficulties or concerns, see your doctor before giving blood. Before the donation, a healthy diet is always recommended. Make sure you stay hydrated on the day of your donation by consuming lots of water. When contributing, it’s best to wear something loose and comfortable. Blood banks, clinics, and hospitals should be informed if you get any therapy or medication.