“Tum hume khoon do, hum tumhe better healthcare and frooti denge.” This isn’t an official slogan of course, but wouldn’t an attitude like this help? Currently, most of us only think about blood donation when we’re faced with an emergency. But that is the worst time to be running around looking for safe blood. The unavailability of blood has also led to deaths in a number of cases.
Replacement donation is prevalent in developing countries, where a friend or family member of the recipient donates blood to replace the stored blood used in a transfusion, ensuring a consistent supply. In order to move towards a sustainable practice, however, we need to aim for 100 percent voluntary, unpaid blood donation.
According to data from the World Health Organisation:
Voluntary, unpaid blood donations have risen by 10.7 million in the period between 2008 to 2013. A total of 57 countries collect 100 percent of their blood supply from voluntary, unpaid blood donors.
According to the National AIDS Control Organisation, voluntary blood donations have increased from 54.4 percent in 2006 to 84 percent in 2013-14. Experts, however, say the figures are misleading. Dr P Srinivasan, founder of the Jeevan Blood Bank, says:
Though several documents from the government talk of over 80 percent voluntary blood donation, the facts state otherwise. Over 50 percent of the blood is used by the private sector, especially the corporate hospitals. They insist on replacement donations and do not conduct any blood donation camps. Hence, voluntary blood donation in India cannot be over 50 percent.
While many people want to give blood, and maybe even become regular donors, not many know the eligibility criteria for donation. The myths surrounding blood donation further serve to discourage voluntary donors from stepping up to give blood.
This World Blood Donor Day, let’s clear the air surrounding blood donation once and for all.
Myth #1: Donating blood is not good for my health, I’ll become weak
Donating blood does not affect your body in any way. In fact, donation reduces the chances of a heart attack because it thins out the blood. Around 70-80 ml of red blood cells get destroyed on their own every 120 days. These are then replaced by new ones. Only 350-450 ml of blood is taken during a donation session. The body has approximately 5 litres of blood, and easily replenishes the blood that is donated.
Myth #2: I can contract HIV or other infections from donating blood
Sterility is maintained at every level of the blood donation process. A new, sterile needle is used for each donation and is properly discarded at the end of each session. The use of sterile equipment and technique limits the chance of infection.
Myth #3: I have already donated blood once this year, I can’t donate again
You can donate four times a year, once every three months. One unit of donated blood can save up to three lives. Do a bit of math to figure out how many lives you can save if you donate regularly and voluntarily between the ages of 18 to 60.
Myth #4: I can’t donate if I’m on any kind of medication
You will be asked to keep your system clear of any antibiotics or other medication for 72 hours.
A screening procedure before donating ensures that the blood is safe. It involves a preliminary health check-up, screening for infection markers and blood groups, and a healthy history scan.
Myth #5: I can’t participate in sports or other physical activity after donating blood
No, donating blood does not interfere with your ability to perform physically. However, you will be advised to stay away from heavy lifting and strenuous workouts for the rest of the day after the donation. You can get back on track the next day.
It is advised to rest a while after donating. Drinking enough liquids will help replace the lost fluids in a few hours. The body produces new cells faster after a donation. The red blood cells are replaced within three to four days and the white blood cells within three weeks.
Myth #6: Women can’t donate blood
While most women tend to have lower haemoglobin, anyone with haemoglobin levels of 12 and above can donate blood.
Myth #7: I have tattoos and/or piercings, I can’t donate blood
As long as the tattooing procedure was done aseptically (in a sterile manner), you may donate blood one year after the procedure. The same rules apply for piercings, acupuncture, and other procedures involving needles.
Donating blood does not harm your body. If anything, it makes your mind and body healthier. Go ahead and donate. This is your chance to become a superhero for thousands who need your help.
(Have you subscribed to FIT’s newsletter yet? Click here and get health updates directly in your inbox.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)