Donating blood is a simple, safe, painless act, and assisted by specialized professionals at all times. For the donor, it does not entail any risk but, on the other hand, for patients throughout the territory, it can mean advancing their healing process.
Transfusion of blood or its derivatives has become an essential part of current healthcare. The increase in life expectancy, the creation of intensive care units, and the significant and constant needs of some patients, previously considered irrecoverable, mean that the demand for blood is growing.
Blood is a tissue made up of several elements with different characteristics and functions, which is why they are transfused separately to different patients. Consequently, a single blood donation can benefit more than one patient.
Blood donations are fractionated to obtain essentially three products: red blood cell concentrates, platelet concentrates and plasma.
Any healthy person between 18 and 65 years old who weighs more than 50 kilos can donate blood. It is necessary to have this minimum weight, because in each donation a standard amount is collected for all donors (450 ml) .
It is recommended that women donate blood a maximum of three times a year and men a maximum of four , always respecting an interval of two months between donations.
Unlike a blood test, when we make a donation it is not necessary to fast. It is even advisable to have had a normal meal.
For the safety of both the donor and the recipient, a medical history and a series of tests are performed before donation. The blood is then analyzed.
You must donate blood:
-If you are between 18 and 65 years old and weigh more than 50 kilos.
-Even if you have suffered from hepatitis before the age of 12.
-Even if you are not fasting.
-Even if you have high cholesterol.
-Even if you take some of the most common medications.
You can donate up to 3 times a year if you are a woman and up to 4 times a year if you are a man.
The first step to assess whether it is advisable to donate blood is to answer a questionnaire aimed at detecting any possible risk factors. The questions in this document are determined by law and their objective is to ensure the safety of the donor and the future recipient.