New Delhi . Blood donation is considered to be the biggest social contribution saving lives. If one unit of blood is used in different components, it can help more than one patient. This is the reason why hospitals and blood banks encourage people to donate blood regularly. However, before donating blood, it is very important to understand that not every person is eligible to donate blood. Blood donation is allowed only after checking many parameters related to general condition of the body, age, weight and health. According to the e-RaktKosh of the Government of India, the age of a normally healthy person should be between 18 to 65 years and his weight should be at least 45 kg.
Before donating blood, a general health checkup of the person is done in the blood bank. In this, blood pressure pulse and body temperature are seen along with medical history. Apart from this, hemoglobin or iron sufficiency is tested from the blood sample taken from the finger. If the test reveals a situation in which it is not safe to donate blood, then the person is stopped from donating blood at that time. Therefore, mere correct age and weight should not be considered sufficient.
Generally healthy adults can donate blood but if a person has severe anemia or is suffering from any serious illness then he should avoid donating blood. Donating blood can also be postponed for some time after recent surgery or certain medical procedures. Similarly, in some infections and health conditions, the doctor or the medical team of the blood bank may stop blood donation temporarily or permanently. Therefore, if you are undergoing treatment for any disease or take regular medicines, then it is important to inform the medical staff of the blood bank before donating blood.
Blood donation is not done during pregnancy. Even after delivery, the woman should not donate blood immediately and should donate blood again as per the appropriate time and health condition. Similarly, in certain circumstances like recent vaccination or tattoo, blood donation can be postponed for some time. The waiting period in these cases is not the same for every situation, hence the final decision should be taken on the basis of medical screening at the concerned blood centre.
Some general precautions before donating blood are also helpful. One should avoid donating blood on an empty stomach and drink enough water. It is also important to get good sleep. It is considered better to eat light and balanced food before donating blood. One should avoid donating blood after consuming alcohol. Even after donating blood, the body should be given adequate rest and fluids. According to e-RaktKosh, after donating blood, it is advised to increase fluids for the next 24 to 48 hours and avoid heavy physical exertion and weight lifting for some time.
If you feel any weakness or dizziness during blood donation, you should immediately inform the medical staff. After donating blood, it is useful to rest for some time and consume light refreshments provided. The most important thing is that donating blood is definitely a noble act but it should not be done just out of enthusiasm. Donate blood only after giving correct information about your health condition. Final eligibility is decided based on the blood bank's medical screening and applicable blood donation guidelines.