TME 4: Can You Donate Blood? A Guide to the Eligibility Requirements in India
- Dr. ARUN V J
- Dec 23, 2023
- 3 min read
Blood donation is a noble and lifesaving act that can make a huge difference in the lives of others. However, not everyone is eligible to donate blood due to various factors. If you are interested in becoming a blood donor, you need to know the criteria and rules for blood donation in India.
How much blood is collected?
350 ml for a donor of weight 45 kg
450ml for a donor of weight more than 55 kg
How frequently can you donate blood?
For whole blood donation, once in three months (90 days) for males and four months (120 days) for females.
Who Can Donate Blood?
Weight : You should not weigh less than 45 kilograms.
Age :
Blood Pressure: You should have normal blood pressure for your age group.
No fever
Hemoglobin : You should have a minimum hemoglobin level of 12.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL). This will be checked at the blood bank/centre.
The donor should be feeling healthy.
Adequate sleep
Tattooing : 12 months
Ear piercing : 12 months
Minor surgery (small wounds stitched or sutured) : 6 months
Major surgery (Any surgery requiring Spinal or general anesthesia) : 12 months
Dental procedures such as tooth extraction/root canal : 6 months
Diabetes : Can donate even if on medicines, but only if, not on insulin, should not have changed dose or medicines in the last 28 days, no other organs are involved.
Hepatitis : Hepatitis A - can donate after 1 year, Hepatitis B and C - Cannot donate lifelong.
Females :
Vaccines : 14-28 days depending on the type of vaccine
Medications which does not affect blood donation
Antibiotics : Can donate 14 days after last dose
Chicken pox : can donate blood after 2 weeks of recovery
Dengue : can donate blood 6 months after rull recovery
Medication which does not affect blood donation
Vitamins
Oral hypoglycemic agents
Cholesterol lowering medicines
Diseases for which you can never donate blood?
Hepatits B , C
Cardiac diseases like heart attack
Permanant liver failure
KIdney damage
HIV positive
At rIsk of HIV infection
Cancer
Bleeding disorders
Insulin
Recipients of organ, stem cell and tissue transplants
What to do before blood donation?
Eat a healthy and balanced meal before donation. You should donate blood within 4 hours after meal.
Drink plenty of fluids before and after donation. This is reduce the chance of giddiness after donation.
Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing. You will need to roll up your sleeves or remove your upper clothing during donation.
Bring a valid photo ID and your donor card if you have one. You will need to fill out a consent form and a health questionnaire before donation.
Inform the staff if you have any medical conditions, allergies, or medications that may affect your eligibility or donation process.
Relax and follow the instructions of the staff during donation. The whole process usually takes about 30 minutes, including registration, screening, donation, and recovery.
After donation, rest for at least 10 minutes and have some refreshments. Avoid strenuous activities, smoking, or driving for the next few hours.
Why Should You Donate Blood?
Donating blood is a simple and safe way to help others in need. By donating blood, you can:
Save up to three lives with one donation. Your blood can be separated into different components, such as red cells, platelets, and plasma, and be used for different patients with different needs.
Improve your own health. Donating blood can lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease, and stimulate your immune system.
Feel good about yourself. Donating blood can give you a sense of satisfaction, happiness, and pride, knowing that you have made a positive impact on someone’s life.
How Can You Donate Blood?
Even though India has more than a billion people, we are still facing shortages of blood. That is because of fear and myths about blood donation. Blood donation is a safe process and can be the answer in a life and death situation.
If you are interested in becoming a blood donor, you need to know the criteria and rules for blood donation in India. By following these guidelines, you can contribute to the well-being of others and play a vital role in healthcare systems worldwide.
Contact your nearest blood bank to donate today.
You can find your nearest blood centre from the government portal below.
You can find the detailed blood donation criteria set forth by the Ministry of Health and family welfare below.
Dr. Arun V J
MBBS, MD
Transfusion Medicine
+91 8547415117
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