Be a Part of Our Life-Saving Mission

Do's and Don'ts of Blood Donation

Who Can Donate Blood?

You can donate blood if:

• You are between 18 and 60 years of age
• You last donated blood over 3 months ago
• You weigh over 45 kg
• Your haemoglobin level is 12.5 or higher

Who Cannot Donate Blood?

Do not donate blood if

• You feel unwell for any reason
• You have or had any of the following conditions:
  
  
  1. Malaria (within the last 6 months)
  2. Diabetes
  3. Tuberculosis (within the last 2 years)
  4. Chickenpox (within the last 1 year)
  5. Smallpox vaccination (within the last 3 weeks)
  6. Drastic/sudden weight loss
  7. Hypertension (on medication)
  8. Drug abuse
  9. Congenital coagulation factor deficiency
  10. Babesiosis or Chagas' disease
• You suffer from any of the following:
  
  
  1. Hepatitis B & C
  2. HIV
  3. Heart problems
  4. Cancer
  5. Chest pain or breathlessness
  6. Myocardial infarction
  7. Stomach ulcer with bleeding
  8. Endocrine disorders
  9. Long-term kidney or liver disease

Before Blood Donation: Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

• ✔️ Get enough sleep the night before
• ✔️ Eat a well-balanced, healthy meal before donating
• ✔️ Eat iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, spinach) to help with blood cell production
• ✔️ Ensure that your medications do not prevent blood donation (e.g., avoid aspirin for 2 days before donating platelets)
• ✔️ Wear a shirt with sleeves that can be easily rolled up

Don'ts:

• ❌ Avoid fatty foods like fries, ice cream, and hamburgers
• ❌ Do not discontinue any medication without consulting a doctor

After Blood Donation: Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

• ✔️ Rest if you feel lightheaded; lie down and keep your feet elevated
• ✔️ Keep the bandage on for at least 5 hours
• ✔️ Apply pressure and keep your arm raised if bleeding occurs after removing the bandage
• ✔️ Use a cold pack on bruises for the first 24 hours
• ✔️ Eat a sugary snack right after donation to maintain glucose levels
• ✔️ Take an iron-rich diet to replenish lost iron
• ✔️ Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids

Don'ts:

• ❌ Avoid intense physical activity or heavy lifting for at least 5 hours
• ❌ Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours (can cause dehydration and stronger effects)
• ❌ Avoid smoking for several hours after donating (may cause dizziness) Conclusion

Blood donation is a life-saving act, but following these do’s and don’ts ensures a safe and comfortable experience for yourself.