Anyone, aged between 16 and 69 years old, who does not have health problems can donate blood, which is an act that can save many lives. However, there are some basic requirements to be able to give blood, which ensure the well-being of the donor and the recipient of the blood, such as:
- Weigh more than 50 kg; Being over 18 years old; Being healthy, and not having blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis, AIDS, Malaria or Zika for example.
Donating blood is a safe process that guarantees the donor's well-being and is a quick process that takes a maximum of 30 minutes. Donor blood can be used in different ways, depending on the needs of the recipient, and donated blood, such as its plasma, platelets or even hemoglobin, depending on the needs of those in need.
When I can't donate blood
Despite the basic requirements for donating blood, there are some diseases or situations that prevent blood donation for a period that can range from 12 noon to 12 months, and these include:
| Situation that prevents donation | Time when you cannot donate blood |
| Ingestion of alcoholic beverages | 12 hours |
| Common cold, flu, diarrhea, fever or vomiting | 7 days after symptoms disappear |
| Teeth extraction | 7 days |
| Normal birth | 3 to 6 months |
| Cesarean delivery | 6 months |
| Endoscopy, colonoscopy or rhinoscopy exams | Between 4 to 6 months, depending on the exam |
| Pregnancy | Throughout the gestation period |
| Abortion | 6 months |
| Breast-feeding | 12 months after delivery |
| Tattooing, piercing, or acupuncture or mesotherapy treatment | Four months |
| Vaccines | 1 month |
| Risk situations for sexually transmitted diseases such as multiple sexual partners or drug use for example | 12 months |
| Pulmonary Tuberculosis | 5 years |
|
Change of sexual partner |
6 months |
| Travel outside the country | Varies between 1 and 12 months -Depends on the country you traveled to, talk to the doctor or nurse |
| Weight loss for health reasons or for unknown reasons | 3 months |
| Herpes labial, genital or ocular | While you have symptoms |
In addition, if you have already used drugs, had a cornea, tissue or organ transplant, undergone any growth hormone treatment or surgery or if you had a blood transfusion after 1980, you cannot donate blood either, so it is important that you talk to the doctor. your doctor or nurse about this.
Check out the following video under what conditions you cannot donate blood:
After the indicated rest times, it is possible to donate blood again, all you need to do is go to a blood donation station in your city. In addition, women can donate blood every 4 months and men can donate every 3 months.
How to prepare to donate blood
Before donating blood, there are some very important precautions that prevent tiredness and weakness, such as:
- Keep hydrated: drink plenty of water, coconut water, tea or fruit juices, the day before and the day you are going to donate blood; Avoid sunbathing: it can increase the risk of dehydration. Eat before donating blood: eat before giving blood is very important, being important to have breakfast 1 hour before going to give blood. Find out what you can eat for a rich and nutritious breakfast by clicking here.
What to do to recover faster
After donating blood, it is important that some precautions are followed to avoid malaise and fainting, and you should therefore:
- Continue with hydration, continuing to drink plenty of water, coconut water, tea or fruit juice; See what foods you can eat to make sure you get enough water in How to drink 2 liters of water a day. Eat a snack so you don't feel bad, and you should always make sure you drink fruit juice, have coffee or eat a sandwich. after giving blood to recharge the energy; avoid spending too much time in the sun, because after donating blood the risk of heat stroke or dehydration is greater; avoid efforts in the first 12 hours and do not exercise during the next 24 hours; if you are a smoker, wait at least 2 hours after the donation to be able to smoke; Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages in the next 12 hours. After giving blood, press a cotton pad at the site of the bite for 10 minutes and keep the dressing done by the nurse for at least 4 hours.
In addition, when donating blood, it is important that you take a companion and then take him home, as you should avoid driving due to the excessive tiredness that is normal to feel.
