If you’re looking for a way to help others while also benefiting your own
well-being, consider giving blood. It’s relatively quick, usually painless,
and can truly save lives.
The need for blood
Every
two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood or
platelets
for reasons ranging from childbirth and injuries to surgeries, cancer
treatments, anemia, and other blood disorders. Because these blood products
cannot be manufactured, they must come from donors. With red blood cells
expiring after 42 days and platelets after just five, the need for new
donors is constant.
Types of donations
The most common type of
blood donation
is a whole blood donation. That involves donating roughly a pint of blood
that can later be separated into its different components. Another option is
apheresis, a procedure that uses a machine to collect and separate specific parts of
your blood while returning the rest to your body.
By undergoing apheresis, you can donate:
• Platelets, which cause blood to clot
• Plasma, which is the liquid part of blood
• A concentrated amount of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to organs and
tissues
Another form of blood donation is known as Power Red. In this process, two
units of whole blood are drawn, the red blood cells are separated out, and
then the plasma and platelets are returned to your body. Because this
procedure requires a specialized machine, it may not be offered at every
blood drive.
Donor requirements
Most states
require donors
to be at least 17 years old (though some allow 16-year-olds with parental
permission) and weigh at least 110 pounds. You should also be in good health
and feeling well.
You may not be able to donate blood
if you have:
• Donated blood in the past 56 days
• Gotten a tattoo or piercing in the last three months
• Ever been HIV positive
• Ever injected illegal drugs
• Visited a country with a malaria risk in the past three months
• Lived in the U.K. for three or more months between 1980 and 1996 or in
Ireland or France for five or more years from 1980 to 2001 due to the risk
of mad cow disease.
Preparation
For
a few weeks
before giving blood, you should focus on eating foods that are rich in iron
and vitamin C. Eat more lean meats and leafy vegetables and avoid fatty
foods like hamburgers, French fries, and ice cream. To help keep your blood
sugar stable, stick to a regular meal schedule in the days leading up to
your donation.
You should aim for a good night’s sleep before donating, avoid alcohol on
donation day, and drink a few extra glasses of water to keep from feeling
dizzy. Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arm,
bring a valid ID, and consider bringing something to read or listen to, or a
friend for support if you’re feeling nervous. And do not take any aspirin or
other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within 48 hours before
donating platelets.
The donation process
When you show up
to give blood, you will be given some information about blood donation to
read and be asked to show your identification and sign in.
Then, you’ll be asked about your health history, any traveling you’ve done
recently, your lifestyle, and any medications you are taking. You’ll also
have your vitals checked along with a quick blood test to determine your
blood type and hemoglobin levels.
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Once you’ve been cleared to donate, you’ll be seated in a comfortable chair
while a health care professional cleans and sterilizes your arm. Then, they
will insert a needle into your vein through which the blood will be drawn.
You may be asked to lightly squeeze a sponge or some other object with your
hand in order to facilitate the blood flow. The process of drawing blood
typically takes about 15 minutes for a whole blood donation. Donating
platelets, plasma, or red cells can last anywhere from 80 minutes to two
hours.
Afterwards
When you’re finished donating blood, your arm will be bandaged and you’ll
rest for about 10 to 15 minutes while having a light snack and drink to make
sure you feel okay.
For the rest of the day, you should avoid such vigorous activities such as
exercising or heavy lifting. You can get back into them slowly over the next
few days.
During the first 24 hours, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of fluids instead.
Eating iron-rich foods like spinach can help replace the blood cells you’ve
donated.
Benefits
Donating blood doesn’t just help the recipients — it can help you, too!
For one thing, being a donor can
improve your mental health. Participating in a lifesaving cause can lower your stress levels, reduce
negative feelings, and encourage a sense of belonging.
You’ll also receive a mini health checkup each time you donate, which can
alert you to any issues you might not have known about. Regular donations
can also
help maintain a healthy blood pressure
and may even lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
The heart of the matter
Giving blood is a great way to support your community while also taking care
of your own health. You can find blood drives and donation centers through
the
Red Cross,
America’s Blood Centers, and the
Department of Health and Human Services, as well as local organizations that may host events in your area.
When you donate blood, you become part of a lifesaving chain of support,
offering hope to those in need, boosting your own health, and contributing
to a caring and connected community.
