Q1 Why do I need to donate blood?

A: Every day blood is needed to save lives. Blood may be needed for surgery, accident victims or to treat patients with leukemia, cancer, heart disease, liver disease and hemophilia. Your donation may save lives.

Q2 Am I eligible to donate blood?

A: Yes. If you are 17 years of age or older (age verification required) and weigh over 45kg. In general, medication intake is not a barrier to blood donation due to acceptance and rejection based on medical reports. If you are taking any medication, please let us know before donating blood.

Q3 Am I healthy enough to donate blood?

A: You must be healthy enough to donate blood. Your health and safety are very important to us. You will be asked to fill out a blood donation consent form in which your medical history will be questioned. Blood pressure and a drop of blood will be taken for a hemoglobin test. All information provided by you is confidential.

Q4 How long does it take to donate blood?

A: The blood donation process will take between 7-10 minutes, but you are advised to be at the donation site for about an hour.

Q5 Does the needle hurt?

A: You only feel a little pain when the needle is inserted and no more after that.

Q6 How much blood will be taken?

A: As much as 450ml, which is less than 1 pint (586ml). Adults usually have about 5 liters (10-12 pints) of blood in the body.

Q7 How does it feel after donating blood?

A: Most people feel comfortable after donating blood. You are advised to take snacks before donating blood.

Q8 Can I do sports activities after donating blood?

A: Yes. Just avoid doing strenuous activities for a period of 5 hours after donating blood. Drink plenty of water within 24 hours.

Q9 How long does it take to replace the donated blood?

A: Plasma is replaced within 24 hours. You need to drink 4 glasses of non -alcoholic water and do not do heavy work using your hands for a period of 5 hours. Red blood cells take 4-8 weeks to replace and you can donate again after that.

Q10 What will be done to the donated blood?

A: Your blood will be tested to determine blood groups, viral infections such as syphilis, hepatitis (B&C) and AIDS (HIV). Then, stored for patient use. Blood can also be separated into several blood components and can be used to treat more than one patient.