Give a pint of blood and save a life

This Saturday, June 14, is World Blood Donor Day. This year’s focus is “Safe Blood for Saving Mothers”. Photo | FILE

What you need to know:

Blood: the body’s river of life

Have you ever taken time to think what your blood is made of? Most people do not think much about their blood unless they bleed due to an injury, or blood drawn for laboratory tests, or for donation. However, blood is the river of life, and every cell in the body receives its nourishment from the blood.

Blood is made up of two components, namely plasma and cells. The heart through the veins, arteries and capillaries to provide nutrients and oxygen to all body cells pumps blood. In addition, blood carries away waste products.

The human body contains approximately five litres of blood, which accounts for 7 per cent – 8 per cent of a person’s body weight. About 2.75-3 litres of blood is plasma, while the remainder is made up of cells.

Dear Doc,
What are the requirements for blood donation?
Eunice.

Dear Eunice,
Most people between the ages 16 and 65 are eligible to donate blood. However, there are other conditions that a person must meet for him or her to qualify.

One must be in the aforementioned age bracket and weigh more than 50 kilogrammes. The person must also be feeling well and in good general health.

You should not donate blood if you have symptoms of an illness like flu or a medical condition that is not under control.

In addition, pregnant or lactating women, those who have been hospitalised in the last year or have had major surgery, or who have recently engaged in risky sexual behavior or taken hard drugs, are not suitable donors.

It is also important to note that men should wait for about three months before they donate again and woman should wait for four months.

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Dear doc,
Is it safe to donate blood and can I get a disease like HIV from donating?
Ricky

Dear Ricky,
The process of donating blood is very safe. Each donor’s blood is drawn separately using a sterile needle that is used only once and then discarded.

The staff involved are highly qualified and follow strict, standardised procedures to ensure optimal safety.

In addition, the donor is thoroughly examined and asked precise questions regarding their medical history before they are allowed to donate.

This ensures that donating blood does not put the donor’s health at risk. Potential donors are tested for haemoglobin levels (amount of blood) and blood pressure to make sure that they are totally fit to donate.

Though most people feel fine after giving blood, some experience dizziness or lightheadedness, have a stomach upset, or have pain or a bruise in the area where the needle was inserted.

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Dear Doc,
How much blood am I required to donate and how long does it take to restore the amount donated?
Timothy

Dear Timothy,
The amount of blood drawn during donation is approximately one pint, or 450 millilitres. This amount is about 10 per cent of a donor’s total blood volume.

The body usually replaces the lost fluid within a short time. Plasma, which is the liquid part of blood, is restored within 48 hours while the part comprising cells, which include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, are replaced within two weeks.

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Dear Doc,
Do I need to follow a special diet after donating blood?
Ryan

Dear Ryan,
You do not require a special diet. All you need is to continue with a normal diet and be sure to include foods rich in iron such as beef, liver, whole grains and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach.

This is because iron is a major constituent in the manufacture of red blood cells. Also include foods rich in vitamin C, which increase the absorption of iron into the body.

These include vegetables and citrus fruits like oranges. Take plenty of fluids in the form of water, beverages, or fruit juices to restore the lost fluid. Eating a balanced diet and taking fluids helps keep one from feeling tired and drained.

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Dear Doc,
Where can I donate blood?
Cynthia

Dear Cynthia,
You can donate blood at the nearest Kenya National Blood Transfusion Services (KNBTS) facilities.

These include regional blood transfusion centres (RBTC) and satellite centres located at government hospitals. There are six RBTCs located in Nairobi, Mombasa, Embu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisumu.

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Dear Doc,
I have heard that if I donate blood and have a blood donation card, my family member(s) or I will be given a free blood transfusion; is this true?
Terry.

Dear Terry,
This is not true. However, you will be recognised and given priority in case you require a blood transfusion.

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Dear Doc,
If I donate blood and it is found to be infected or that I have a disease, will I informed and will there be any follow-up?
Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous,
The results of blood tests results are considered private and confidential,so if a donor’s blood tests positive for a disease, the results are disclosed only to him or her.

If the results show that he or she has hepatitis, syphilis, or HIV, he/she is referred to the KNBTS for further care.

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Dear Doc,
Are there any health benefits of donating blood?
PM

Dear PM,

Donating blood has various health benefits to the donor. When a donor’s blood is drawn, his or her body immediately starts replenishing the lost blood.

New cells are produced by the bone marrow within 48 hours, such that all the red blood cells lost during donation are restored within a month or two.

This replenishment can help the donor stay healthy and energised. Regular blood donors can improve their fitness levels. Giving one pint of blood helps burn 650 calories.

There is also a lowered risk of cancers of the lung, colon, stomach, liver and throat for people who donate blood regularly.

Many elderly people who are in good health have reported feeling re-energised after giving blood regularly.

Apart from these benefits, a donor gets a free prior health screening and mini blood test. There is also a hemoglobin (HB) level test, blood pressure and body check.

Their blood is also tested for some major diseases like hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV and the donor is informed right away in strict confidence in case of positive results, which can help in seeking early treatment.

Have a question about your health? Send it to [email protected] and the DN2 Panel of health professionals will provide you with a detailed response.