Blood, a fluid that reaches every part of our body, provides the energy needed for the growth and functioning of every cell. Donating this vital fluid to save another life is incredibly important. But who can donate blood? Is there any harm to the donor? These questions about blood donation are common.
The average human body contains about 5 liters of blood, though it only needs around 50 milliliters per kilogram daily. The rest is stored and can be donated. The blood volume returns to normal within 24-36 hours after donation. Blood consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, with plasma making up 55% of it. Hemoglobin, a protein component found in red blood cells, carries oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
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Blood transports essential nutrients and oxygen to cells and removes waste. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs. Low hemoglobin indicates anemia, while very high levels can indicate various diseases.
Blood groups include A, B, AB, and O (positive and negative), determined by evaluating antigen components in the blood. The rare HH group, discovered in Bombay in 1952, is known as the Bombay Blood Group. Only compatible blood can be transfused, or it could be fatal. Cross-matching is done to check compatibility between donor and recipient blood.
A single unit of donated blood can be separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, benefiting three individuals. Voluntary blood donation is crucial to address blood shortages. If 100% of the required blood is obtained through voluntary donations, no patient would suffer due to a lack of blood.
Blood Donation: Key Points
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- Ensure a good night’s sleep the night before donating.
- Rest at the hospital for 15 minutes post-donation to prevent dizziness.
- Consume light refreshments (like juice) after donating and rest for 30 minutes before leaving.
- Do not donate blood within 24 hours of consuming alcohol.
- Only donate if your blood pressure is normal.
- Use adjustable beds for blood donation.
- Blood can be donated within approximately 10 minutes.
Health Benefits
Blood donation offers several health benefits for the donor. It helps improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regular blood donation can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It also stimulates the production of new blood cells, which enhances overall vitality and energy levels. Additionally, blood donation can help reduce iron levels in the body, which may lower the risk of certain health issues related to iron overload.
Eligibility and Precautions
- Donors must be between 18-65 years old.
- Donors must weigh at least 50 kg.
- Donors should be in good health.
- Blood pressure should be between 50/100 to 90/180 mm Hg.
- Body temperature should not exceed 37.5°C.
- Pulse rate should be between 50-100 beats per minute.
- Donors must present a valid Emirates ID.
- Pregnant and lactating women should not donate.
- Hemoglobin levels should be above 12.5.
- Men can donate again after 3 months, women after 4 months.
- Eat at least 4 hours before donating, avoiding fatty foods.
- Diabetics and those with high cholesterol should not donate.
Blood Donation Centres Across the UAE
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In addition to services provided by health authorities in specific emirates, Emirates Health Services offers blood donation services at various centers across the UAE. In Dubai, you can donate at the Kuwait Hospital Blood Bank and the Dubai Health Authority’s center in Al Jaddaf. Sharjah has multiple locations, including the Blood Transfusion and Research Centre, Dhaid Hospital Blood Bank, Khorfakkan Hospital Blood Bank, and Kalba Hospital Blood Bank.
Umm Al Quwain is served by the Umm Al Quwain Hospital Blood Bank, while Ras Al-Khaimah has the Saqr Hospital Blood Bank. In Fujairah, you can visit the Fujairah Hospital Blood Bank or the Diba Al Fujairah Hospital Blood Bank. Residents in Abu Dhabi looking to donate blood can contact the Abu Dhabi Health Services to find their nearest center.
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