Will it hurt when you insert the needle?
Only for a moment, pinch is similar to an ant bite when the needle is inserted.
How long does a blood donation take?
The entire process takes about 45 minutes to one hour, the actual donation of a unit of whole blood unit takes 8 to 10 minutes. However, the time varies slightly with each person depending on several factors including the Donor’s health history and attendance at the blood drive.
Why does any blood bank ask so many personal questions when I give blood?
To ensure Donor safety and Blood Safety
How often can I donate blood?
You must wait at least 3 months (90 days) between donations of whole blood and Platelet Apheresis Donors may give every 3 days up to 24 times per year.
Will the blood remain in my body if I do not donate blood?
No, the fact is the Red Blood Cells in the blood has a life span of 120 days. Irrespective of blood donation they die and new cells are produced. Instead of going waste without blood donation, it would save three lives if one donates blood.
Who can donate blood?
Donors must be age above 18 or older.
Donors must weight >45kgs for 350ml, > 50kgs for SDP & >55Kgs for 450ml, and be in good health.
Blood Safety:
Is it safe to give blood?
Donating blood is a safe process. Each Donor’s blood is collected through a new, sterile needle that is used once and then discarded. Although most people feel fine after donating blood, a small number of people may feel lightheaded or dizzy, have an upset stomach or experience a bruise or pain where the needle was inserted.
Does Donor get HIV from donating blood?
No. Sterile procedures and disposable equipment are used in all Blood Banks. Needle used only once and then discarded. You cannot contract HIV or other viral disease by donating blood.
What tests are administered to ensure my blood is safe to distribute to patients?
Blood donations are tested for the following:-
- ABO and Rh blood types.
- Unexpected red blood cell antibodies that are a result of prior transfusion.
- Screened for HIV, Hepatitis B&C, Syphilis and Malaria
If the Donors blood test result shows HIV-positive, will the Donors be informed about the result?
Yes. Donors who are confirmed Reactive for any infectious disease are notified only Donor personally and have the opportunity to receive counseling with a specially trained, professional counselor.
How will Rashtrotthana Blood Bank contact me if the Donors have a disease?
The Rashtrotthana Blood Bank regards blood test results as private and confidential information, they may contact you by letter or call to arrange a counseling appointment, but does not disclose information regarding positive blood test results to anyone but the Donor, except as required by law. Rashtrotthana Blood Bank maintains a confidential list of people who may be at risk for spreading transfusion-transmitted diseases. When required by law, we report Donor information, including test results, to health departments and regulatory agencies. Donation information may also be used confidentially for medical studies.
Are blood substitutes available?
No, there are currently no substitutes for blood. However, research is continually being done to identify new alternatives to blood transfusion.