The dos

• Consult your doctor: While most healthy adults under 65 years of age can safely donate blood, do speak to your doctor about your eligibility for blood donation. You may not be a viable candidate, either temporarily or permanently, when dealing with certain health conditions such as anemia, heart disease, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, asthma etc., or if you are on certain medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your weight and health history will also be taken into consideration. Eligibility criteria for a donor generally include parameters such as:
  Age: 18-65 years of age
  Weight: Should not be less than 45Kgs
  Haemoglobin level: 12.5 g/dl irrespective of gender
  Blood pressure: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures should be within normal limits.
  Malaria: Not allowed if treated in the last 3 months or 3 years if residing in an endemic area
  Diabetes: Not allowed for those on insulin injections, allowed if resolved or controlled by oral drugs and diet
  Tattoos / Acupuncture: Not allowed if done within the last 12 months.
• Check out donation options: Donors have the option to give blood through hospitals, clinics and numerous blood donation drives and camps. Talk to your doctor or find out about options for locations close to you that are trusted, sanitary, and well managed, as per your comfort.
• Eat healthy:  “What should I eat before donating blood?” – a common query among first-time donors. A healthy, balanced diet is one of the mainstays of good health, and imperative before donating blood, more so foods that are rich in iron. Up your iron intake to counteract potential loss after blood donation which can affect your haemoglobin levels. This is even more important for women, who tend to have lower haemoglobin counts as compared to men, and are more prone to iron-deficiency anaemia. Pack your meals with iron-rich foods like leafy vegetables, meat, cereals, beans, eggs and fruit. Foods rich in vitamin C are also recommended  to help with plant-based iron absorption, to buffer up your iron reserves.
• Stay hydrated: Did you know that water constitutes about 90% of blood plasma? Staying well hydrated before donating makes it easier to locate veins, improves blood volume and helps you recoup from fluid loss that occurs during the donation process and maintain blood pressure levels. Consuming an extra 500ml or two cups of water or any healthy, hydrating non-alcoholic beverage before donating is generally recommended.
• Relax: Although blood donation is a safe and relatively pain-free process, the sight of needles and blood can be nerve-wracking for first-time donors. Use the time to indulge in some enjoyable distractions like a new book you have been dying to read or listening to your favorite music. Also, make sure to get a good 7-9 hours of sleep on the night before donating and wear comfortable clothing for your appointment. Remember that you are doing something for the greater good, keep calm and donate!
• Post donation care: Make sure you rest after the blood donation process and keep a watch for feelings of light-headedness or dizziness. Rehydrate with water or healthy beverages and treat yourself to a delicious snack, to help stabilize your fluid and blood sugar levels. If you get some bruising at the injection site, periodically apply a cold pack to the area.

The don’ts

• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours before donating blood and after as well. Alcohol can impair your hydration levels and affect recovery.
• Refrain from smoking on the day and also for a few hours after. Apart from the many known ill-effects of smoking, it can also impact your blood pressure or lead to dizziness during a blood donation.
• Avoid any heavy or rigorous exercise and physically demanding activities after donating.

Walking or light exercise is generally fine prior to your blood donation appointment, but do make sure to hydrate well after.

The need and importance of blood donation cannot be understated; in fact, it is said that just one pint of blood donated can save up to three lives! Being a donor is one of the most fulfilling things one can do for community health and wellbeing. Speaking to a healthcare professional can allay any fears as a first-time donor and help with physical and emotional comfort. Take an informed (and confident) decision, knowing that your contribution is helping transform the lives of countless others… from the inside out.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.