Search results
Nov 12, 2024 · When you think about why hospitals need blood, the first image that comes to mind may be a car crash. But donated blood (including blood components such as plasma and platelets) are not only used to replace blood lost through injury. Here are some of the many incredible ways donations support patients. 1. Blood supports people with cancer Blood can be essential in cancer treatment for many ...
- Donating Blood
Canadian standards for blood donation dictates that 17 is...
- Donating Blood
- Overview
- Benefits
- Does donating blood lower your risk of heart disease?
- Side effects of donating blood
- During the donation
- What to know before you donate
Donating blood can seem intimidating, but it’s an easy process that can help save someone’s life.
There’s no end to the benefits of donating blood for those who need it. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save as many as three lives, and someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.
Donating blood has benefits for your emotional and physical health. According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, helping others can:
•reduce stress
•improve your emotional well-being
•benefit your physical health
•help get rid of negative feelings
•provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation
The research is mixed on whether blood donation actually lowers risk of heart disease and heart attack.
A 2017 study suggests that regular blood donations are associated with increased risk of heart disease possibly due to unfavorable cholesterol levels
However, donating blood regularly may lower iron stores, according to a 2013 study. This may reduce the risk of heart attack. High body iron stores are believed to increase the risk of heart attack.
Regular blood donations were thought to lower blood pressure, but a 2017 study suggests these observations are deceiving and are not a real physiological response.
Blood donation is safe for healthy adults. There’s no risk of contracting disease. New, sterile equipment is used for each donor.
Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy after donating blood. If this happens, it should only last a few minutes. You can lie down with your feet up at the until you feel better.
You may also experience some bleeding at the site of the needle. Applying pressure and raising your arm for a couple of minutes will usually stop this. You may develop a bruise at the site.
Call the blood donation center if:
•You still feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous after drinking, eating, and resting.
•You develop a raised bump or continue bleeding at the needle site.
You must register to donate blood. This includes providing identification, your medical history, and undergoing a quick physical examination. You’ll also be given some information about blood donation to read.
Once you’re ready, your blood donation procedure will begin. Whole blood donation is the most common type of donation. This is because it offers the most flexibility. It can be transfused as whole blood or separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma for different recipients.
For a whole blood donation procedure:
1.You’ll be seated in a reclining chair. You can donate blood either sitting or lying down.
2.A small area of your arm will be cleaned. A sterile needle will then be inserted.
3.You’ll remain seated or lying down while a pint of your blood is drawn. This takes 8 to 10 minutes.
Here are some important things to know before you donate:
•You need to be 17 or older to donate whole blood. Some states allow you to donate at 16 with parental consent.
•You have to weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate.
•You need to provide information about medical conditions and any medications you’re taking. These may affect your eligibility to donate blood.
•You must wait at least 8 weeks between whole blood donations and 16 weeks between double red cell donations.
•Platelet donations can be made every 7 days, up to 24 times per year.
- Adrienne Santos-Longhurst
Nov 30, 2023 · Donated red blood cells are typically given to people with severe blood loss, such as after an injury or accident, and people with anemia (low hemoglobin). Plasma donation (plasmapheresis) collects the liquid portion of the blood (plasma). Plasma helps blood clot and contains antibodies that help fight off infections.
Sep 19, 2022 · While regular plasma is helpful for both replacing blood volume and helping to stop bleeding, cryo, because it is concentrated, is used when the focus is controlling bleeding related to decreased fibrinogen levels. Research. Medical and scientific researchers are always in need plasma from healthy individuals to enable their discoveries.
May 24, 2023 · Advantages of blood donation. Donating blood can help others with health needs. Donating blood can help people with many health conditions, such as those who: have internal or external bleeding ...
- Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA
Oct 18, 2024 · Donating blood has several possible benefits. Although more research is needed, blood donations may benefit your heart. Giving blood may lower the amount of iron in the blood (high iron levels contribute to heart disease risk). This may also lead to lower blood pressure levels. Most adults have about 3 to 4 grams of iron.
People also ask
What is a blood donation?
Why do people donate blood?
How does blood donation work?
What does a blood donor do?
What are the benefits of donating blood?
Canadian standards for blood donation dictates that 17 is the earliest age at which you can donate blood. There are other ways to give. Find out how you can get involved by becoming a volunteer or peer leader - organizing a high-school blood donation events - by emailing us at feedback@blood.ca or calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
