Your Guide to Blood Donation

Before Your Donation

Preparation is key for a smooth donation:

• Eligibility: Generally healthy, aged 18-60, weighing 45-50 kg. Specific medical conditions or medications might defer you. Check with the center for details.
• Eat Well: Healthy meal 3-4 hours before donation. Avoid fatty foods.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water or juice the day before and on the day of donation.
• Sleep: Get a good night’s sleep (6-7 hours).
• Iron-Rich Foods: Include iron-rich foods in your diet before donation.
• Avoid Aspirin (for platelet donors): Skip aspirin or related medications for 48-72 hours.
• What to Bring: Valid photo ID (NID, passport, or driver’s license).

During Your Donation

At the donation center, expect:

1. Registration: Fill out your details and medical history.
2. Health Screening: Mini-checkup: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels.
3. The Donation: Blood draw takes about 8-12 minutes. Apheresis donations can take 1-2 hours.
4. Relax: Stay relaxed; inform staff if you feel unwell.

After Your Donation

Post-donation care is important:

• Rest & Refreshments: Rest 10-15 minutes and enjoy a snack.
• Hydrate: Drink extra fluids for the next 24-48 hours.
• Eat Nutritious Food: Maintain a balanced diet.
• Avoid Strenuous Activity: No heavy lifting or exercise that day.
• Care for the Arm: Keep the bandage on, apply cold packs for bruising.
• Inform the Center: Report any post-donation issues or missed health information.

What to Avoid

To ensure safety for you and the recipient:

• Before Donation:
  • Don’t donate on an empty stomach.
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
  • Avoid heavy, fatty meals right before.
  • If unwell (fever, cold, flu), postpone donation.
  • Check medication restrictions with the center.
• After Donation:
  • Avoid smoking immediately.
  • No alcohol.
  • No strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting.
  • No prolonged standing or exposure to excessive heat.