Blood donation is one of the most selfless acts a person can perform. It involves giving a part of oneself to help others in critical need. Every day, countless individuals require blood transfusions due to surgeries, accidents, or chronic illnesses. Despite advancements in medical science, there remains no substitute for human blood, making donations crucial. For many patients, a timely blood transfusion can mean the difference between life and death.
However, many people are unaware of the specifics involved in blood donation, particularly how often one can donate. Knowing this is essential to avoid or prevent any health issue and ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient.
Every year, June 14 is observed as World Blood Donors Day and today we celebrate the 20th anniversary of it. On this occasion, understanding the guidelines and recommendations for blood donation frequency can encourage more people to become regular donors and help maintain a steady supply of blood in hospitals and blood banks.
To understand how often a person can donate blood, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Anand S. Deshpande, Consultant - Transfusion Medicine, P D Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Mumbai.
Who Can Donate Blood
Before we come to the question of how often we can donate blood, it is important to know who can donate blood. Answering this, Dr Deshpande said, “Any individual between the age group of 18 to 65 years with a minimum weight of 45 Kgs and Hemoglobin of more than 12.5 gm/dl can donate blood. He or she should not be suffering from any major illness or should not have undergone any major surgery in the recent past.”
How Often Can You Donate Blood?
Dr Deshpande said, “For males, they can donate whole blood after every three months whereas, in case of females they can donate after four months. Females should not donate blood during pregnancy and lactation.”
Adding further, he said, “One can also donate only platelets. This is carried out using cell separators and the procedure is called Apheresis. It takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Only platelets are collected and remaining blood is returned back to the donor. It is an entirely safe and aseptic procedure.” Explaining how often one can donate platelets, Dr Deshpande said, “One can donate platelets using apheresis technique twice a week, but maximum of 24 times a year. Platelets collected in this manner are called Single Donor Platelets (SDP) which are equivalent to around 6 platelets prepared from whole blood donation (RDP).” Apheresis technique is also used to collect plasma, granulocytes and Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC).
Safety and Health Considerations
Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for donor safety. Before each donation, health professionals conduct a mini-physical and check the donor’s haemoglobin levels, blood pressure, and overall health status. These precautions help ensure that donors are in good condition to give blood and that the donation process will not adversely affect their health.
Also read: Eat And Avoid These Foods Before Donating Blood
It is advisable that regular donors maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in iron and staying hydrated. This helps in maintaining healthy haemoglobin levels and overall well-being, making the donation process smoother and more effective.
Conclusion
Blood donation is a simple yet powerful act of kindness. By understanding the frequency guidelines and maintaining good health, individuals can safely donate blood and contribute to a vital cause. Each donation has the potential to save multiple lives, making regular blood donation a habit worth cultivating. “So friends come forward and donate. Your 10 minutes of selfless act can save 3 lives,” Dr Deshpande concluded.”