Donate Blood

For a whole blood donation, about one pint of blood is collected and separated into its three components: plasma, platelets, and red blood cells.
The value of a whole blood donation is that you help save three lives! Plasma is effective in treating a burn or shock patients. Platelets can help patients with leukemia and other cancers. Red blood cells are often necessary to treat surgery patients, babies born prematurely and trauma victims.
The entire donation process, from registration to post-donation refreshments, takes just under one hour, with the actual donation taking five to 10 minutes. You may donate whole blood every 56 days.
Our youngest donors, between 16 and 18 years old will follow the new guidelines below:

Double Red Cell

A double red cell donation allows you to give twice the amount of red cells given in a whole blood donation. Red blood cells are the most-used blood component for surgery, trauma, and treatment of blood disorders. You may donate double red cells once every 112 days. There are special requirements for donating double red cells. If you are interested in making this type of donation, please talk to the collections staff to determine whether you are eligible.

Platelets

Platelets are a component of your blood that helps control bleeding, and are often used to help patients with cancer. An automated platelet donation is equal to platelets derived from six whole blood donations. Since platelets only have a shelf life of five days, donors are needed continuously. If you donate platelets, you may donate every seven days, up to 24 times per year. There is a three-day deferral period after taking aspirin to donate platelets.

Plasma

Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, transports red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (which control bleeding, fight infection and provide nutrients). Burn and trauma patients frequently are given plasma to replace fluid loss. Someone who receives many red cell transfusions may require plasma as well to maintain blood clotting. Plasma is also transfused to some patients with bleeding or clotting disorders. After donating plasma, you may give plasma again after 28 days, whole blood after one month or platelets after 72 hours.

Age

Age 17 individuals are eligible. Individuals age 16 years can only donate blood with signed parental consent.

Health

You must be in a good general health to be eligible to donate blood or platelets.

Photo ID

It is compulsory that you must bring a valid CNIC with you at the time of blood donation.

Weight

Individuals age 19 or older, you must weigh at least 110 pounds and age 16-18 must weigh at least 122 pounds.

Health History

A Blood Center crew member will welcome you into a screening booth, where you'll present your CNIC and provide basic information about yourself.
In private, answer questions about your past and present health; this information is kept confidential.
The screener will return and administer a mini health exam (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate).Be sure to eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids before you donate.
A blood drop will be taken from your finger to determine your blood type and hematocrit level.

Donation

A crew member will escort you to a donation bed, where your arm will be examined and cleaned with a wet scrub.
Now your donation begins. Once the needle is in place, it usually takes less than 10 minutes to give a unit of whole blood. If you are giving an automated donation - like platelets, plasma or double red cells - our staff will let you know how long the procedure should take.
During your donation, use Applied Muscle Tension, alternately contracting and relaxing muscle groups in the body. One method is to tighten the muscles of the legs and buttocks for about five seconds, relax for five to 10 seconds and repeat. Another method is to squeeze a ball in the hand.
Once your donation is complete, the needle will be removed and a bandage will be applied.

After Donation

Sit and have a snack and a drink, relaxing for at least 15 minutes.
Talk with the staff about scheduling your next donation.
As long as you're feeling well (not lightheaded or dizzy), go out and enjoy your day. Be proud that you've helped save a life!
Drink additional water, keep the bandage in place for a few hours and avoid strenuous physical activity for the remainder of the day. If you begin to feel lightheaded or dizzy, lie down until feeling better.

Iron is in your blood. It is the “fuel” that helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues. Your body naturally replaces iron after you give blood, but you might need more iron before you donate or if you give often.
We do not directly measure your iron. You get a mini-health exam when you come in to donate, and we prick your finger to test your hematocrit level. Blood has three components — red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The hematocrit test measures red blood cells because iron increases them.
You may need iron if your hematocrit is low, which happens late in iron deficiency. You can have low iron and still have a normal hematocrit level, but health problems from low iron are rare before the hematocrit falls.
Iron pills or multivitamins with iron can help. The pills work faster than foods that have a lot of iron.
If you are a frequent donor or are at risk for having low stores of iron, taking an iron supplement is highly recommended. Talk to your health care provider to decide if the iron is best for your health.

TYPES OF DONATIONS

Whole Blood Donations

Female Donors

Male Donors

Automated Donations

Double Red Cell

Platelets

Plasma

Eligibility

Age

Health

Photo ID

Weight

Donation Process Review

Before Donation

Health History

Donation

After Donation

Iron Information

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