Malay

Blood Donation Facts

General Facts
Donating blood is safe and simple. It does not put you at risk of disease as all needles are     sterile, used only once and discarded.
The average amount of blood in one person is five litres or 10.5 pints.The usual blood     collection - a "unit" - is about half a litre, or one pint. Your body soon replaces all the blood     you donate.
It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete the blood donation process.
Any healthy adult between 18 years and 60 years of age can donate blood. For more     information about who can or can't donate, please click here.
Blood Donation Summary
This is what you can expect when you are ready to donate blood:
You walk into a reputed and safe blood donation centre or a mobile camp organized by a     reputed institution.
A few questions will be asked to determine your health status (general questions on     health, donation history etc). Usually you will be asked to fill out a short form.
Then a quick physical check will be done to check temperature, blood pressure, pulse and     haemoglobin content in blood to ensure you are a healthy donor.
If found fit to donate, then you will be asked to lie down on a resting chair or a bed. Your     arm will be thoroughly cleaned.
Then using sterile equipments blood will be collected in a special plastic bag.     Approximately 350ml of blood will be collected in one donation. Those who weigh more     than 60 kg can donate 450 ml of blood.
Then you must rest and relax for a few minutes with a light snack and something refreshing     to drink. Some snacks and juice will be provided.
Blood will be separated into components within eight hours of donation.The blood will then     be taken to the laboratory for testing. Once found safe, it will be kept in special storage and     released when required.
The blood is now ready to be taken to the hospital, to save lives.
Tips on Blood Donating
Before Donation:
Please have a good meal at least 3 hours before donating blood.
Please avoid smoking on the day before donating.
You will not be eligible to donate blood if you have consumed alcohol 48 hours before     donation.

After Donation:
Please accept the snacks offered to you after the donation, it is vital you have them.You     are recommended to have a good meal later.
Enjoy light refreshments and rest for at least for 10 - 15 minutes.
Do not leave the donation site without the permission of a staff member.
If you feel dizzy or faint either lie down or sit down with your head between your knees until     you feel better.
Do not smoke for at least one hour.
Drink more than usual amount of fluids.
Avoid alcohol intake for the next 24 hours.
Make your next meal a really hearty one.
Avoid lifting heavy weights or exercise for 24 hours.
Leave the gauze or band-aid on for 4 - 6 hours, do not get it wet.
Misconception about Donating Blood
You wont feel drained or tired if you continue to drink fluids and have a good meal.
You can resume your normal activities after donating blood, though you are asked to refrain     from exercise or heavy weight lifting for twelve hours after donation.
Donating blood will not leave you low of blood; in fact you will still have surplus blood after     the donation.
If you choose to consume alcohol, you can on the next day.
While donating blood you will not feel any pain.
You will not faint or feel uncomfortable after donating blood.
You will not get AIDS if you donate blood.
Patients are just like donors - most of them have common blood types. Because your     blood type is common, the demand for that type is greater than for rare types. So, even if     your blood type is common there is still a requirement.
Blood donors donate blood and do not sell it.
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