HELLO,
POTENTIAL BLOOD DONORS! Below is some details about our blood donation drive! Event: Blood Donation Drive Date: 7-8 May 2015 (Thursday and Friday) Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Venue: BK3, Block A, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (University of Malaya) * Just a gentle reminder, if you have donated blood before, remember to bring your blood donor card! * First time donor? Read the FAQ below to know more about blood donation! |
FAQ about blood donation
#1: Am I eligible to donate blood? Who can/cannot donate blood?
* Please note that this information is subject to change.
* Final eligibility determination rests with the screening staff at the donor clinic.
You can donate if:
You can't donate if you have any of these conditions:
* For extraction, root canal or dental surgery: 72 hours provided there is full recovery
Female can't donate if they have any of these conditions:
* Please note that this information is subject to change.
* Final eligibility determination rests with the screening staff at the donor clinic.
You can donate if:
- you are between age group of 18-60 years.
- your weight is more than 45 kg.
- your haemoglobin is 12.5 gm% minimum.
- your last blood donation was at least 90 days earlier.
- you are healthy and have not suffered from malaria, typhoid or other transmissible disease in the recent past.
- you should have had something to eat and adequate sleep.
You can't donate if you have any of these conditions:
- cold / fever in the past 1 week.
- under treatment with antibiotics or any other medication.
- cardiac problems, hypertension, epilepsy, diabetes (on insulin therapy), history of cancer, chronic kidney or liver disease, bleeding tendencies, venereal disease etc.
- major surgery in the last 6 months.
- vaccination in the last 24 hours.
- taken alcoholic beverages in the last 24 hours.
- had fainting attacks during last donation.
- have regularly received treatment with blood products.
- shared a needle to inject drugs/ have history of drug addiction.
- had sexual relations with different partners or with a high risk individual.
- been tested positive for antibodies to HIV.
- had a tattoo, semi-permanent make up or any cosmetic treatments that involves skin piercing in the last 6 months.
- had dental treatment (extractions, fillings, cleaning, restoration)
* For extraction, root canal or dental surgery: 72 hours provided there is full recovery
Female can't donate if they have any of these conditions:
- they are pregnant.
- had a miscarriage in the last 6 months or have been pregnant / lactating in the last one year.
- they can donate after 6 weeks following a normal delivery and when they are not breast feeding.
- they are having heavy menstrual flow or menstrual cramps.
#2: What is it like to donate blood?
This is what you can expect when you are ready to donate blood:
Blood will be separated into components within eight hours of donation. The blood will then be taken to the laboratory for testing. Once found safe, it will be kept in special storage and released when required. The blood is now ready to be taken to the hospital, to save lives.
This is what you can expect when you are ready to donate blood:
- You walk into a reputed and safe blood donation centre or a mobile camp organized by a reputed institution.
- A few questions will be asked to determine your health status (general questions on health, donation history etc). Usually you will be asked to fill out a short form.
- Then a quick physical check will be done to check temperature, blood pressure, pulse and haemoglobin content in blood to ensure you are a healthy donor.
- If found fit to donate, then you will be asked to lie down on a resting chair or a bed. Your arm will be thoroughly cleaned.
- Then using sterile equipments blood will be collected in a special plastic bag. Approximately 350ml of blood will be collected in one donation. Those who weigh more than 60 kg can donate 450 ml of blood.
- Then you must rest and relax for a few minutes with a light snack and something refreshing to drink. Some snacks and drink will be provided.
Blood will be separated into components within eight hours of donation. The blood will then be taken to the laboratory for testing. Once found safe, it will be kept in special storage and released when required. The blood is now ready to be taken to the hospital, to save lives.
#3: How should I prepare myself for blood donation?
- Have a good meal at least 3 hours before donating blood.
- Avoid smoking on the day before donating.
- You will not be eligible to donate blood if you have consumed alcohol 48 hours before donation.
#4: What should I do after my blood donation?
- Accept the snacks offered to you after the donation, it is vital you have them. You are also recommended to have a good meal later.
- Enjoy light refreshments and rest for at least 10 - 15 minutes.
- Do not leave the donation site without the permission of a staff member.
- If you feel dizzy or faint either lie down or sit down with your head between your knees until you feel better.
- Do not smoke for at least an hour.
- Drink more than usual amount of fluids.
- Avoid alcohol intake for the next 24 hours.
- Avoid lifting heavy weights or exercise for 24 hours.
- Leave the gauze or band-aid on for 4 - 6 hours, do not get it wet.
Adapted from www.malaysiablooddonors.org. Visit to know more about blood donation.