Donor Criteria

You should fulfill the following Criteria:-
1. Should be in good health, mentally alert and physically fit.
2. Age – should be between 18 to 65 years.
3. Weight – should not be less than 45 kg.
4. Temperature - temperature should be normal.
5. Pulse – It should be between 60 – 100 beats/min.
6. Blood pressure should be systolic less than 160 mm of Hg Diastolic less than 100 mm of Hg.
7. Not donated blood in last three months.
8. There should be no skin lesions at the site from where your blood is withdrawn.
9. Should not be on any medications like pain killers, antibiotics, anti epileptics ,etc.
10. Past history of infections, Surgery, Immunization, drug abuse must be given to the blood bank beforehand.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIRST TIME DONORS

1. Fill up the donor questionnaire.
2. Get your blood test, Pulse, Blood pressure and Weight measured.
3. If these criteria are acceptable you are issued a blood bag.
4. Go to the blood collection room where you are made to lie down on comfortable couches and your blood is collected.
5. The procedure takes roughly 5 – 15 minutes.
6. There after you are given a small refreshment and you can leave after 15 – 20 minutes.

Before Donation

1. Have a light meal. Avoid fatty foods.
2. Get a good night’s sleep.
3. Drink lot of water.
4. Avoid alcohol.

After donation
1. Drink plenty of fluids on the day of donation.
2. Avoid strenuous physical activities
3. If you feel light headed, take rest.
4. Enjoy the good feeling that you have saved 4 lives by donating blood.

FEARS & MYTHS

• "I am afraid of giving blood"
• For everything there is a first time. Try it once."
• "I am thin & weak. One should have robust personality to donate."
• Your weight & Hb is tested before you donate."
• "Other people must be giving enough blood"
• If everyone takes this stand, what will happen to the needy.
• "I will feel weak after donation."
• We have almost 5 lit. of blood & only 350/450 ml is taken & replaced very soon.
• "It will lead to sterility"
• False conception
• "I am too busy"
• One can always find time.
• It is the busiest who find time to spare.

WHO CANNOT DONATE BLOOD?

• Diabetics on insulin.
• Uncontrolled diabetics, hypertensives.
• Suffered from Hepatitis.
• Undergone surgery – 1 year.
• Tattoo – 6 months.
• Pregnancy
• Lactating mother.
• Women during menstruation.

Advantages of blood donation

• Feels good
• Life span of red cells – 120 days. Stimulates bone marrow to produce new cells and hence new blood is circulated.
• Positive impact on health.
• Increases body immunity - healthier
• Increased intake of iron in meat eaters releases free radicals. Blood donation reduces this iron.
• Regulates blood pressure and improves circulation
• Screened for health conditions like
• Hb, BP, Pulse, general conditions is examined.
• Your blood is tested for Transfusion transmitted infections like HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, Malaria

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPLACEMENT DONORS

If you require blood for your relations or friends.

1. You must get a requisition form from the hospital where your patient is admitted.
2. The requisition form should be properly filled containing all the details.
a) No. of units required
b) Type of component required
c) Patient particulars
d) Signature of the doctor
e) Stamp & seal of the hospital
3. You must bring blood sample of the patient in 2 vacutainers.
4. Since blood is issued only on replacement basis, you must fill up the donor questionnaire form and get yourself checked whether you are fit to donate blood.
5. If found fit, you are required to pay the blood testing charges and proceed to donate blood.
6. The cross match procedure takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour.
7. When your blood unit is ready you receive it after showing the receipt and take it immediately to the hospital according to the instructions given.