Blood Donation - 17th June 9.30am - 12.30pm
Many people would not be alive today if donors had not generously given their blood.
Most people can give blood. You can give blood if you:
- are fit and healthy
- weigh over 50kg
- are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if you have given blood before)
- are over 70 and have given blood in the last two years
You cannot give blood
If you have an existing medical condition or have a question about your eligibility to give blood
Common eligibility questions include:
- receiving treatment
- taking medication
- traveling outside Malaysia
- tattoos
- pregnancy
- illness
- cancer
- received blood, blood products or organs
Can you give blood if you have a cold?
Cold symptoms may be similar, but colds are less likely to cause fever or headaches. You cannot donate blood if you have a fever, a productive cough, if you do not feel well, or if you are taking antibiotics to treat a sinus, throat, or lung infection.
Before Donation
Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins.
Get a good night's sleep.
Drink an extra 16oz. (500ml) of water or nonalcoholic fluids before the donation.
Eat a healthy meal before your donation. Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries or ice cream before donating. (Fatty foods can affect the tests we do on your blood. If there is too much fat in your blood, your donation cannot be tested for infectious diseases and the blood will not be used for transfusion.)
If you are a platelet donor, remember that your system must be free of aspirin for two days prior to donation.
Importance of blood safety
Read the welcome leaflet which explains the importance of blood safety. It’s important to read this whenever you attend because advice does change. you may be 500ml of fluid just before you give blood. Drinking this over about 5 minutes will help with your well-being during and after donation. Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
Health screening
We make sure it is safe for you to donate, and that your blood donation is safe for a patient to receive.
You will be asked to confirm your identity and ask you about the information on your donor health check.
A nurse will test a drop of blood from your finger to confirm the iron levels (hemoglobin) in your blood.
If you are not able to donate we will explain why, and may ask you to make another appointment.
If you are able to donate you will be asked to sit in a waiting area until you are called to a donation chair.
During the donation process
Let the person taking your blood know if you have a preferred arm and show them any good veins that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood.
The Nurse will examine your arm and place a cuff on your arm to maintain a small amount of pressure during donation.
She will then examine your arm to find a suitable vein and clean it with an antiseptic sponge.
She will then insert a needle in your arm which will collect your blood into a blood bag with your unique donor number.
You should not feel any discomfort or pain. If you do, tell a member of staff.
A scale weighs the blood and stops when you have donated 470ml . This usually takes between 5-10 minutes.
Relax, listen to music, talk to other donors or read during the donation process.
The needle will be removed and a sterile dressing applied to your arm
After donations
Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating.
Drink an extra four glasses (8 ounce) of liquids and avoid alcohol over the next 24 hours.
Keep the strip bandage on for the next several hours.
To avoid a skin rash, clean the area around the strip bandage with soap and water.
Do not do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.
If the needle site starts to bleed, apply pressure to it and raise your arm straight up for about 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops.
If you experience dizziness or lightheartedness after donation, stop what you are doing and sit down or lie down until you feel better. Avoid performing any activity where fainting may lead to injury for at least 24 hours.
