Have you just made up your mind to donate blood? Well, then you’re one with a big heart. Donating blood is for sure the kindest and most caring thing one could ever do in his life. After all, you are participating to save some most precious lives and bring smiles to the face of many families. And if you are confused that whether you should donate blood or not, then keep in mind that blood donation is one of the best deeds in the world and we should never hesitate in doing good deeds.
Blood consists of various components that you can observe under a compound microscope. Blood could be required for any of the components.
However, donating blood isn’t as simple as it seems. There are certain things that you have to consider before donating your blood such as what to eat, what documents you need, and some other things like that. So let’s have a look at the below to know what is better for you to do before the donation.
Tips for Making Blood Donation Successful and Free of Risks
There are some useful tips that the donor can use to make the experience of blood donation even more successful.
- Consider taking iron-rich meals like chicken, meat, fish, spinach, beans, raisins and fortifies cereals, before carrying on the process of donation.
- Take complete rest and sleep for 8 hours the night before blood donation so that you won’t feel much dizziness during the process.
- If you are donating your platelets, it is suggested not to take aspirin 3 days before the time of donation.
- Consider choosing a holiday for donation so that you can rest as much as possible.
- It is always better to drink 17. oz of water and other liquids before donating blood or plasma.
- It is suggested to avoid fast foods like burgers and sandwiches on the day of donation.
- Avoid drinking alcohol for the next 24 hours after the blood donation.
- You can eat light yet energetic foods like cookies, chips, etc. after the completion of the donation.
Eligibility Criteria for a Blood Donor
Not everyone is allowed to donate blood, there are certain requirements that you have to fulfill and after that, you would be considered eligible to apply for a donation.
1. You have to be in good health.
2. Your HIV reports should be cleared
3. You have to be 17 years old if you are a male and 19 years if you are female to make a regular donation
4. You have to be 16 years old for the Red Crescent Donation and should be accompanied by your parent or guardian.
5. You shouldn’t have any allergies, stuffy nose, or fever.
6. You shouldn’t be a patient with diabetes
7. Your weight must be at least 110 lbs.
8. The participant shouldn’t have traveled outside the USA before the donation of blood as it causes the risks of malaria. (if he has traveled, then he would be asked several questions to clear any doubts)
9. Pregnant women are not eligible for the donation. It can affect both mother and baby.
10. A woman who has just given birth is not eligible, she would have to wait 6 months after the delivery. You can follow motherhow to learn about pregnancy.
11. You must not be a patient of such a disease that can be transferred via body fluids.
Documents Required for Blood Donation
There is no need for any special documents for donating blood, all you need is the current Identity Card or your driving license and a donor form.
The Final Words
It is always better to take advice from the ones who have experienced the donation in the past because they can guide you much better than anyone.
I hope that by following the tips given above you can make your donation experience much more successful. Make sure that you fit the eligibility criteria so that you won’t have to face any difficulty the moment you arrive there for the process.
