Blood Donations: A Non-Comprehensive Guide

Article by: Sean Ho Ka Wai

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What is blood donation?

It is a voluntary procedure where blood is drawn from an individual and used for blood transfusions.

Types of blood donation.

1. Contrary to popular belief, there are two types of blood donations. The first and most common type is whole blood donation, where you donate roughly 1 pint of whole blood. This type of blood donation takes and uses all the components in your blood. This proces

s lasts for about 15 minutes.

1.  The second type of blood donation is called apheresis. It is a unique type of blood donation where only specific blood components are taken, such as red blood cells, platelets a

nd blood plasma. As the blood is drawn, an apheresis machine separates the desired blood component and returns the unused blood components into your bloodstream. This process lasts for roughly one hour.

Risks of blood donation

The

process of donating blood is very safe. Sterile equipment is used on each donor, and every piece of equipment is disposed of immediately after each use. Each potential blood donor is screened

 through a questionnaire against various criteria.

Donor criteria

1. 18 - 60 years old

2. More than 45 kg

3. No illness

4. Not taking any medications

5. No alcohol in the last 24 hours

6. More than 5 hours of sleep

7. Not taken drugs int

ravenously

1. Engaged with prostitutes

2. Had more than one sexual partner

3. Engaged with same-sex partners

Blood donation procedure

Fill out a questionnaire

1. Donor's blood tested to identify blood group, Rhesus factor, haemoglobin levels, and any infectious diseases

2. If qualified, blood donor details are registered, and a blood donation book is issued

3. Donate blood

4. Donor rests for 10 minutes

5. Light refreshments provided to blood donors

If a blood donor fails to meet all these criteria or the blood test, they will not be allowed to donate blood.