Blood donation is a noble deed that brings health benefits while saving lives. It’s often advised that blood donation should be a regular exercise every 3 months. Though there aren’t too many home collection centres, nearest blood donation camps can be easily located. You can also donate your blood at the nearest hospital.
Why donate blood?
Well, primarily and obviously because: you are helping save lives. India was short of 1.9 million units of blood during 2017-18. A single donation can save up to three lives.
Additionally, it also brings health benefits to the donor. Regular blood donation reduces blood viscosity thereby significantly lowering the chances of heart attack. Studies have shown that apart from viscosity, it also lowers mean total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol safe-guarding you against cardio-vascular diseases. High iron stores are also linked to heart attacks, blood donation lowers iron stores too.
Who can donate blood?
Though it is indeed a noble deed, not everyone is allowed to donate blood. Before donation, it is advisable that you avail health checkup packages to ascertain normalcy of your: blood pressure, temperature, pulse, blood type, Hb count (12.5 g) and body weight (45 kg at least). You also need to fall into the age group of 18-60.
You cannot donate blood if you have the following conditions: cancer, heart disease, abnormal bleeding tendencies, unexplained weight loss, diabetes-controlled by insulin, hepatitis infection, chronic nephritis, AIDS, liver disease, tuberculosis, Polycythemia Vera, asthma, epilepsy, leprosy, schizophrenia, and endocrine disorders.
In case you suspect that you suffer from any of the above conditions, make sure that you get these covered in your health checkup package.
You will have to defer donation in certain cases: abortions – 6 months, history of Blood transfusion – 6 months, surgery – 12 months, typhoid – 12 months after recovery, history of malaria and duly treated – 3 months (endemic) and 3 years (non-endemic area), tattoo – 6 months, breastfeeding – 12 months after delivery, immunization (cholera, typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus, plague, gammaglobulin) – 15 days, rabies vaccination – 1 year after vaccination, history of Hepatitis in family or close contact – 12 months, and immunoglobulin – 12 months.
So do not delay in locating an organisation that offers home collection centres or visit the nearest hospital to save lives by donating blood.
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