1. Who can donate blood?
Most healthy individuals aged 18–65, weighing at least 45 kg or more, hemoglobin more or equal to 12.0 gm /dl and meeting basic health requirements can donate.
2. What is the process of Blood Donation at B&B Hospital blood bank?
Donating blood is a simple process, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. The donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. The steps in the process are:
Registration: You will complete donor registration, which includes information such as your name, address, phone number, and donor identification number (if you have one).
Health History and Mini Physical: You will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and the places you have traveled. You will have your weight, temperature, hemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse checked.
Donation: We will take you in blood donation chair and cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand–new, sterile needle for the blood draw. This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds. You will have some time to relax while the bag is filling. You will have TV screen in front to divert your mind. When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm.
Refreshments: You will spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments to allow your body time to adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume. Our staff will describe you in about post donation care and activities. After 10-15 minutes you can then leave the donation site and continue with your normal daily activities.
3. What should I do and don’t after donating blood?
Do:
- Rest at least 20 min within blood bank
- Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic drinks
- Keep the bandage on for at least 4 hour
- Eat iron rich food and vegetables
Don’t:
- Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours
- Avoid smoking for at least an hour after donation
- Avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 24 hours
- Avoid or minimize the use of the Donation arm for heavy work for next 48 hours
4. What medical conditions or risk factors may temporarily or permanently prevent blood donation?
Eligibility is based on avoiding risks to both donors and recipients.
• Temporary deferrals may include: recent surgery, infections, low hemoglobin, pregnancy, recent travel to malaria-endemic regions, tattoos/piercings within the last 3 months and certain medications.
• Permanent deferrals may include: chronic blood disorders, specific cardiovascular conditions, or high-risk exposures for transmissible diseases.
Screening is designed to be confidential, protective, and precise to maintain the safety of the blood supply.
5. Can regular blood donation have health benefits for donors?
For most donors, benefits include:
• Reduced iron overload in people with naturally high iron stores, which may lower risks associated with excess iron.
• Health monitoring, as donors regularly have hemoglobin levels, blood pressure, transfusion transmitted infection and vital signs checked.
• Psychological benefits, including reduced stress and enhanced sense of altruism.
While donation is not a treatment for medical conditions, regular donors often report feeling healthier and more aware of their well-being.
6. Can I donate blood if I’m taking medication?
It depends on the medication. Many common medications and homeopathic remedies are acceptable, but some may require a waiting period. Our staff will review your health history during screening.
7. Can I donate blood if I’m taking medicine for Blood Pressure, hypothyroidism or diabetes?
Yes, you can often donate blood while taking medication for blood pressure (BP) and diabetes (sugar) if:
• Your blood pressure, Thyroid or blood glucose level is well controlled with oral medication.
• You feel well and have no symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath.
• You do not have diabetes-related complications like severe neuropathy, kidney disease, or active foot ulcers.
• Thyroid medication is not harmful to blood recipients, and it does not disqualify for donation.
8. What happens to my donation after it leaves the collection center?
Donated blood is carefully labeled and transported to a processing department. There, it is:
• Separated into components (red cells, plasma, platelets).
• Tested for infectious markers, Blood Group and other indicators.
• Stored under specific conditions:
- Red cells: refrigerated, up to 42 days
- Platelets: room temperature with agitation, 5 days
- Plasma: frozen, up to 1 year
• Distributed to transfusion site on demand.
Every step is tracked electronically for traceability and safety.
9. How is the safety of donor ensured during the donation process?
Safety measures include:
• Confidential screening interviews to assess eligibility.
• Sterile, single-use needles and collection sets.
• Extremely confidential TTI testing, only authorized medical personnel involved in process.
• Ongoing monitoring by trained staff.
• Stopping the donation immediately if the donor feels unwell.
• Post-donation care instructions and observation. use wider page
10. Why is regular blood donation crucial for healthcare system?
Blood cannot be manufactured, it must come from volunteer donors. Demand is constant due to surgeries, trauma cases, cancer treatments, childbirth complications, chronic anemia, and rare blood disorders. Seasonal shortages, aging populations, and emergencies increase the need for consistent donations. Regular donors help to maintain a stable, safe and sufficient blood supply, ensuring that hospitals can respond to both routine care and unexpected crises.