logo
Blood donation guide: Eligibility, myths, medications, and safety tips

Blood donation guide: Eligibility, myths, medications, and safety tips

If you're between 18 and 60 years old, weigh at least 45 kg, and have a haemoglobin level above 12.5 grams per decilitre (g/dL), you are eligible to donate blood in India.
Men can donate blood every three months, while women should wait four months between donations.
However, not everyone qualifies. Dr Amita Mahajan, Senior Consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, explained that people with chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and certain infections are typically not eligible. Those on specific medications—such as antibiotics, blood thinners, or chemotherapy drugs—may also need to defer donation.
Smokers and those with tattoos can still donate. Just ensure the tattoo was done at a certified centre (or wait one year if it wasn't). Also, avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours before donating.
Does blood donation make you weak?
This is one of the most common myths. 'There's no weakness. It's only in the mind,' said Dr Krishna Kumar Rai, Head of Emergency Medicine at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.
Dr Amita Mahajan added, 'Your body replenishes the donated blood within days. There's no long-term impact on your strength or immunity.' The key is to stay hydrated, have a light meal beforehand, and avoid strenuous activity for a few hours afterward.
Is blood donation safe?
Yes, blood donation is completely safe when done at certified blood banks and hospitals. According to Dr Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, donors might feel mild fatigue or light-headedness briefly, but serious complications are extremely rare.
Modern practices ensure safety through strict hygiene and single-use sterile needles. For recipients, risks of transfusion-related infections like HIV or Hepatitis have significantly reduced due to advanced screening protocols.
Can you donate blood if you are on medication?
It depends. Dr Sangeeta Agarwal, Director of Transfusion Medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, said that people taking vitamins or managing controlled blood pressure or diabetes (without insulin) can usually donate.
However, if you're on antibiotics, steroids, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, or blood thinners, it's best to consult a doctor. Always disclose all medications to the blood bank team during pre-screening—they'll guide you accordingly.
Can women safely donate blood?
Yes, women can and should donate blood. There are no gender-based restrictions. However, they should avoid donating during menstruation and wait four months between donations.
'Women are often wrongly discouraged from donating blood,' said Dr Rai. 'The truth is, women's bodies are just as capable of handling blood donation as men's.'
Can you donate blood after recovering from Covid-19?
Yes. If you've recovered from Covid-19 and are feeling well, you are eligible to donate blood. Dr Rai stressed that there is no stigma or risk of transmitting Covid-19 through blood donation. 'If you're fully recovered, you're welcome to donate and save lives,' he said.
How should you prepare before donating blood?
Here's a simple checklist:
Stay well-hydrated
Eat light, healthy food about an hour before
Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours prior
Skip heavy workouts before and after donation
Avoid smoking two hours before and after donating
Carry a valid ID and disclose any medications to the medical staff
What are the benefits of donating blood?
Besides saving lives, blood donation offers emotional and potential health rewards. 'It's like a noble high,' said Dr Rai, who donates every year on his birthday.
Some studies suggest that regular donors may enjoy improved heart health and reduced oxidative stress. Above all, it fosters a sense of purpose.
'Every healthy person eligible should donate,' said Dr Sangeeta Agarwal. 'You never know whose life you could save—your friend, a stranger, or a colleague. Blood banks only work when we all pitch in.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Health minister orders suspension of doc for negligence in delivery case
Health minister orders suspension of doc for negligence in delivery case

Time of India

time37 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Health minister orders suspension of doc for negligence in delivery case

Ludhiana: Punjab health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh ordered the immediate suspension of a gynaecologist at Khanna civil hospital for negligence in the case of a woman's delivery. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The minister warned that the doctor's medical licence could be revoked, and legal action may follow pending further investigation. The gynaecologist allegedly failed to attend to a critical delivery case despite being informed by the on-duty medical officer. According to an official statement, senior medical officer (SMO) Dr Maninder Singh Bhasin stepped in to perform the emergency operation, successfully saving the patient's life. However, the newborn could not be saved. A three-member committee, comprising an SMO and two specialists, was constituted to investigate the incident. The report indicated that the gynaecologist had failed to address the case with due seriousness. "Any negligence in patient care is unacceptable and will lead to strict consequences," the minister said. He urged health department staff to perform their duties with utmost honesty, dedication, and diligence, warning of severe repercussions for lapses. "If you have to do a government job, do it with honesty. If you have to do private practice, resign and do practice," he said. He also commended staff of the health department for the dedication they showed, particularly during the Covid pandemic. In response to queries about doctor shortages in Doraha and Payal government hospitals, Dr Singh claimed that the state recruited around 3,000 healthcare workers recently, with plans to onboard 1,000 additional doctors soon. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He also outlined plans to ensure 24-hour maternal and child care, emergency services, and initial treatment for heart attacks and neurological conditions at government hospitals at the district level and those adjacent to highways. He announced that the government would establish 10 to 12 advanced hospitals across Punjab for specialised treatments, including heart surgeries, organ transplants, and orthopaedic care. The minister announced that Punjab was set to become the first state in India to offer free health insurance to its entire population of 3 crore. Under this scheme, every family would receive health coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh, he said. MSID:: 122905082 413 |

Study estimates over 9% of world's lands at high risk of animal-to-human infections
Study estimates over 9% of world's lands at high risk of animal-to-human infections

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

Study estimates over 9% of world's lands at high risk of animal-to-human infections

New Delhi: Over nine per cent of the world's land area is at "high" or "very high" risk of a zoonotic outbreak -- triggered when an infection spreads from an animal to a human or vice versa, such as the Covid pandemic, according to a study. Findings published in the journal Science Advances also estimate 3 per cent of the global population to be living in extremely risky areas, and about a fifth in medium-risk areas. Researchers, including those from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) Scientific Development Programmes Unit in Italy, analysed location-specific information from the 'Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network' dataset and the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of diseases prioritised according to their potential for causing an epidemic or a pandemic. Covid, Ebola, coronavirus-related MERS and SARS, and Nipah are among the most prioritised infections in the WHO's list. The team's analysis suggests that conditions driven by climate change -- higher temperatures and rainfall, and water shortage -- elevate the risk of zoonosis, or 'spillover events'. The study "presents a global risk map and an epidemic risk index that combines countries' specific risk with their capacities for preparing and responding to zoonotic threats (excluding SARS-CoV-2)." "Our results indicate that 9.3 per cent of the global land surface is at high (6.3 per cent) or very high (three per cent) risk," the authors wrote. They also estimated about 7 per cent of Asia's and 5 per cent of Africa's land area to be at high and very high risk of outbreak, following Latin America (27 per cent) and Oceania (18.6 per cent). Overall, the authors found that climate-related changes to the environment substantially drove a region's vulnerability to the risk of a spillover event. They wrote, "This underscores the need for continued monitoring and the integration of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts into public health planning." "Translating these risk estimates into an epidemic risk index allows for the identification of high-risk areas and supports policymakers in improving response capacities, allocating resources effectively, and fostering international collaboration to address global health threats ," the team said. A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research found that over 8 per cent of outbreaks reported between 2018 and 2023 under the country's infectious disease surveillance system were zoonotic. Of a total of 6,948 outbreaks analysed, 583 (8.3 per cent) were spread to humans from animals. Outbreaks were also found to consistently peak during June, July, and August. The findings were published in The Lancet Regional Southeast Asia journal in May this year.

Diagnostic Kiosk To Offer 65 Tests Free Of Cost At Manewada UPHC
Diagnostic Kiosk To Offer 65 Tests Free Of Cost At Manewada UPHC

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

Diagnostic Kiosk To Offer 65 Tests Free Of Cost At Manewada UPHC

Nagpur: A state-of-the-art diagnostic healthcare kiosk was installed at the Manewada Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), funded through the District Mineral Foundation. The kiosk was inaugurated on Thursday by South Nagpur MLA Mohan Mate. The kiosk, equipped with a 12-lead ECG, digital stethoscope, dermascope, otoscope, ANC camera, and webcam, is designed to conduct over 65 tests. It also supports teleconsultation and live videoconferencing. The tests which the kiosk could conduct include HBC, diabetes, thyroid, HIV, urine, kidney, uric acid, Covid, hepatitis, pregnancy and many others. The kiosk will provide significant convenience to underprivileged patients visiting the health centre. Mate said this initiative will be a significant step in healthcare services, as expensive diagnostic tests will now be available free of cost and within minutes. Medical health officer Dr Deepak Selokar, Manewada centre's medical officer Dr Meenal Patle, former corporator Mangala Khekre, Abhishek Maykar from Maykar Innovation Pvt Ltd, responsible for operating the kiosk, and Pooja Gupta, were present. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Many poor patients visit the UPHC for treatment. To enhance the facilities, Mate had discussed the provision of the diagnostic healthcare kiosk with NMC commissioner and administrator Dr Abhijeet Chaudhary. The commissioner, along with additional commissioner Vasumana Pant took special interest in the matter and conducted periodic inspections of the machine. The kiosk was approved only after verifying the accuracy of its test reports against those of private pathology labs. Dr Deepak Selokar said the kiosk will also facilitate testing for high-risk patients. In addition to the Manewada UPHC, diagnostic healthcare kiosks will also be installed at Dighori, Nandanvan, Bidipeth, Somwari Quarter UPHCs, and Indira Gandhi Hospital. Trained staff has been arranged to operate these kiosks at each centre.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store