In Brazil, blood donation campaigns are regularly held. Unfortunately, this is still not a habit for most of the population. The consequence of this lack of interest appears every time a blood bank reports that its stock is empty, even though a single donation can benefit several lives. In today’s article, everything about donating blood, an act of solidarity and citizenship.

Reasons to Donate Blood

Donating blood brings benefits for everyone. It is an attitude that provides hope and health to people who need it most, and also to the voluntary donor, whose health is not affected at all and who also shows compassion for others. Here are some good reasons to become a blood donor today:

  • Each donation only takes 450ml of blood (an adult has an average of 5 liters of blood)
  • A single donation can help up to four people
  • There are no risks of contracting other diseases during donation
  • The donated blood is quickly replaced by the donor’s body
  • The donor gets a day off work (for every 12 months worked, provided there is formal proof)
  • Science has not yet found a substitute for blood

Although there are many reasons, not everyone is eligible to donate. There are basic requirements established by organizations such as the Ministry of Health and the American Association of Blood Banks.bolsa de sangue

At What Age Can You Donate Blood?

People between the ages of 16 and 69 can donate blood, as long as they weigh more than 50kg. For those aged between 60 and 69, donation is only permitted if they have donated before turning 60.In all cases, it is mandatory to present an official photo ID. Minors under 18 can donate if they are accompanied by their parents or guardians. Otherwise, formal authorization is required.

Requirements for Donating Blood

The blood donation procedure is quick and safe. All materials used are disposable, so there is no risk of contamination. The donor should pay attention to several requirements, besides the age group and weight:

  • Be in good health, and not have a cold, fever, or current infectious or inflammatory conditions
  • Be fed, and not have eaten fatty food at least three hours before donating
  • Wait at least two hours if donating after lunch
  • Have slept at least 6 hours the night before

Between donations, women must have a minimum interval of three months and may donate blood three times a year. For men, the interval is two months, and the maximum frequency is four times a year.

Temporary Restrictions on Blood Donation

Temporary prohibitions for blood donation, as the name suggests, relate to temporary conditions the donor is experiencing. They include:

  • Blood transfusion (need to wait 12 months)
  • Colds, flu, diarrhea, and fever (must wait 7 days after symptoms disappear)
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages within the past 12 hours
  • Having had a tooth extraction less than 72 hours ago
  • Having had a tattoo or piercing in the last 12 months (the Ministry of Health states that piercings in the mouth or genital area make donation impossible)
  • Having had hernia, varicose veins, appendicitis or tonsillectomy surgery less than three months ago
  • Being pregnant or breastfeeding (only women who gave birth more than 12 months ago can donate)
  • Having undergone an endoscopy in the last 6 months
  • Having received any vaccine (in this case, the donor should inform, as a possible temporary restriction will depend on which vaccine it was)
  • Exposure to risk situations for sexually transmitted diseases (must wait 12 months to donate blood)
  • Having had polytrauma without serious sequelae, cholecystectomy, thyroidectomy, nephrectomy, hysterectomy, fracture reduction, or colectomy (must wait 6 months)

Whatever the restriction, it is crucial to report it before donating. Any mistake or omission can cause problems for the recipient. What was meant to be a generous gesture can become an irreversible problem.

Permanent Restrictions on Blood Donation

There are some permanent restrictions for blood donation, meaning people who can never be donors. They include:

  • Users of injectable drugs
  • People with Hepatitis B and C, AIDS, diseases related to HTLV I and II viruses, and Chagas disease
  • Anyone who had hepatitis after age 11

In addition to these requirements, there is another important restriction. People who have had malaria at any time in their lives are also permanently restricted.

Can Pregnant Women Donate Blood?

Unfortunately, this issue is somewhat ironic. Although pregnant women produce 30% to 50% more blood, it is not recommended for them to donate blood.The reason is valid: pregnancy is a time when the body is fully focused on the development of the baby. Compromising iron reserves can cause anemia, which is very harmful to both mother and fetus.Another important point relates to breastfeeding. Lactating women also cannot donate blood, except in cases where childbirth occurred over a year ago.

Donating Blood During Menstruation

There are no contraindications. Women can donate blood during their period with no problem and without any risk to their health. The blood lost during menstruation is already accounted for by the female body, meaning it understands and adapts perfectly well.The exception is for women who have any related medical condition. A very large menstrual flow, much higher than usual, can be a restriction. In such cases, a consultation with a gynecologist is advised.

How to Donate Blood?

After confirming you meet all the requirements, to donate blood you just need to go to a collection center, such as a blood bank. All blood types are accepted. The procedure is safe and takes around 40 minutes, including registration, screening, and collection.The amount of blood donated is replaced by the body within 24 hours. However, immediately after donating, some care is required:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Do not smoke for at least two hours
  • Do not drink alcohol and avoid strenuous activity for the next 12 hours
  • Keep the bandage on the puncture site for at least four hours
  • Avoid driving heavy vehicles, working on scaffolding, and doing sports like diving or parachuting

Thousands of transfusions, cancer treatments, transplants, and surgeries take place daily. For all these major procedures, blood is not just necessary—it is irreplaceable. Embracing a culture of voluntary donation is a truly wonderful attitude.See also: STDs—Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention