Donate Blood

TYPES OF DONATIONS

Whole Blood Donations

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:

Female Donors

112 days between donations

Male Donors

84 or 164 days between donations, depending on the donation given.

While most students do not donate frequently and are not at risk, we are implementing these changes to ensure our teens stay healthy, lifelong donors.

Automated Donations

Automated donations allow you to selectively donate the blood components that are needed most, with the remaining blood returned to you. You can donate double red cells, platelets or plasma with an automated donation. Depending on your blood type, the collections staff can tell you what donation type is most needed at the time of your donation.

Eligibility

Eligibility to donate blood depends on four factors

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.

Donation Process Review

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF BLOOD DONATION
You know there are good reasons to give blood, but if you haven’t donated before, you are probably wondering what to expect

Iron Information

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.

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