Blood is life and hope. A blood donor, a hero, can give to someone who needs more blood to live.
Donating is the act that will make a difference. More than ever, blood donations are urgently needed especially now at times of global health issues.
WIFM (What’s in It For Me?)1) Based on some studies:
a. Improves health - reduces chances of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases
b. Reduced risk of developing cancer
c. Burn Calories= Approx. 650 calories
2) Free health check - Qualitative test for hemoglobin and Blood Typing
3) Exercises Bone marrow to stimulate blood production
4) Boost Self-worth, provides a sense of belonging and pride
5) Blood Donors Card - Every volunteer donor will be given a BLOOD DONORS CARD. This card may be used as a record of donation. However, this card does not exempt the holder from paying the processing fee. This is intended to cover the cost of the reagents and operating expenses used to collect and screen all donated blood for infectious diseases.
6) A simple token of appreciation will be given to our donors
QUALIFICATIONS OF BLOOD DONOR
• Must be in good health condition
• Age - 18 – 60 years old (61 – 65, regular donor) / 16 – 17 years old must have parent’s consent
• Blood Pressure - between 90 – 140 mmHg (systolic) / between 60 – 100 mmHg (diastolic)
• Pulse Rate - 50 – 100 beats per minute
• Body Temperature - must not exceed 37 degrees Centigrade
• -Travel:
Malaria endemic area: (Palawan, Mindoro)
-Stayed for 6 months and more: 1 year deferred
-Stayed less than 6 months: 6 months deferred
Zika endemic countries: 1 month deferred
• -Drink plenty of fluids (We advise to drink 1 glass of water before donation)
• Females with monthly period are accepted to donate if they pass the Hgb check
• No recent Tattoo and Ear Piercing (1 year deferral tattoo includes eyebrow, lip)
• No cough and colds
• Had recent vaccinations are accepted, so long as did not have adverse reactions
• No recent surgery, unless more than one year after the procedure
• No wounds and mouth sores
• May have coffee prior donation but NO Smoking (3 hours prior)
• Pregnant women are not allowed to donate (1-year deferral)
• Breastfeeding 6 months after weaning period
• Childbirth – may donate after a year from delivery
• Doesn't have any allergies or manifestations of allergies (runny nose, rashes etc.)
• Recent tooth extraction (1-4 weeks after) – will be further evaluated by the Red Cross physician
• Taking Glutathione oral supplement – accepted to donate anytime
• Taking Gluta IV Push/IV Drip - accepted to donate anytime
• Other Medications taken - will be further evaluated by the Red Cross physician
MECHANICS ON BLOOD DONATION
1. Registration
2. Blood typing and Hemoglobin determination
3. Physical Examination
4. Blood Extraction
5. Recovery
DURING DONATION
• 450ml of blood is withdrawn
• Relax and keep calm
• Donation proper is within 5-10 minutes
• Verbalize any physical changes like dizziness or nausea
POST DONATION
• Drink plenty of fluids like water or juice to replace fluid loss.
• Refrain from stooping down after blood donation.
• Refrain from strenuous activities like:
i. Lifting heavy objects
ii. Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.
iii. Operating big machines
• Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.
• Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding.
• If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured site, you may apply cold compress within the first 24 hours then warm compress for the next 24 hours.
• If there is dizziness, lie down with feet elevated until such time the uncomfortable feeling subsides. Drink plenty of juice, in just a few minutes or so it will pass.
FAQ’s
Will donating blood make me weak?
• No, it will not make you weak. Donating 450cc will not cause any ill effects or
weakness. The human body has the capacity to compensate with the new fluid volume. Furthermore, the bone marrow is stimulated to produce new blood cells which in turn makes the blood forming organs function more effectively. The average amount of blood present in an adult is four to five liters or about eight per cent of the body weight. The quantity of blood present in one kg of body weight is 76 ml for males and 66 ml for females. Out of this eight ml per kg body weight is donatable.
How often can a person donate?
• A healthy individual may donate every three months. Males can donate for every three months while females for every four months. All donated blood is recuperated within 21 days.
