Do not be afraid to donate blood
It can happen that you or a loved one gets in an accident and needs a blood transfusion. That means you have lost a lot of blood and it needs to be 'put back' into your body. Hospitals need people to donate blood in order for them to have enough blood if it is needed.
It is a good idea to donate blood any now and then, because it does not only do your body good, you can also save someones life. Read more about the advantages here.
Depending on the country you live in, you will be allowed to donate blood from the age of 16 (with your parent's consent) and you must also weigh more than 110 pounds (45 kg) and you will also have to be in good health.
You and your blood will go through a screening process to determine that there are no infections like HIV/AIDS present and only once the blood is 'classified' as healthy, it will be used in transfusions.
If you pass the screening you can donate blood every 56 days. You can read more on the 'screening process' here.
It is my first time donating blood. What do I need to know?
Before you go and donate blood, do not skip a meal. Make sure you eat and also take in enough fluids before you donate. If you do not eat, your chances will be greater to pass out once you are done donating.
If you get to the centre where you will donate blood, the nurse will ask you questions on your medical history and also take your blood pressure and determine your blood count. They would also like to know if you have been travelling or have been sick. All this is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for a blood donation.
To donate blood is more or less the same as going for a blood test, it will just take a bit longer. Once you are done, it is a good idea not to get up too fast and rather just sit for a few minutes and drink enough fluids. It is also a good idea to take it easy for a day - remember your body needs to produce new blood again to 'fill up' the blood you have lost.
To make sure you are ready for your donation and take care of yourself afterwards, make sure you read here.
Donated blood gets tested for viruses, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and West Nile virus. If any of these things are found, the blood is destroyed. Because blood can be infected with bacteria as well as viruses, certain blood components are tested for contamination with bacteria as well.
You do not have to worry about getting an infection if you donate blood, because clean, sterilized needles are used and it will be thrown away after it has been used once. The worst thing that can happen to you after you have donated blood is you may feel dizzy or some nausea, but this feeling usually goes away quickly,
