Organization : Ministry of Public Health
Facility : Blood Donation Process
Country : Guyana
Website : https://www.health.gov.gy/index.php
Blood Donation Process :
Persons are advised to eat at least 1 ½ -2 hours before they donate (eating before donation is optional). Donors are advised to drink 8 ozs of water just before the process starts.
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On the day you will be donating blood, the following will take place :
Step 1 : Registration of donor
Step 2 : You will have a mini-health check to know if you meet the criteria. Your body weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and HB (Iron) level will be checked. (2-3 minutes)
Step 3 : If you are not deferred in step 2, you will be interviewed to further determine if your health status and sexual activities permit you to be a donor. This session is very private and confidential where YOU will be asked questions about sexual contact. (10-12 minutes)
Step 4 : If you meet the criteria in step 3, ONLY then will you be able to donate blood. The actual blood donation will take about 5-8 minutes or less.
Step 5 : You will be asked to relax for a further 3-5 minutes and will be given refreshment.
Note : After Donating blood, persons are advised to avoid heavy, muscular or strenuous activities and drink lots of non alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day.
Requirements to be a blood donor :
** Persons must be17 years or older ( 16 year olds will need written parental/guardian consent)
** Weigh at least 110 pounds
** Healthy- not infected or affected with a blood-borne disease.
** Must be willing (NOT forced by others) to donate blood.
FAQs :
1. Why should I donate blood?
Blood is needed all the time to provide to those who may need blood transfusions due to accidents, surgery or diseases of the blood e.g. Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassaemia.
2. Is there artificial blood?
NO. Scientists are yet to find a successful substitute for human blood. This is why blood donors are so vital to the lives of those are in need of blood
3. Do I have enough blood in my body to donate?
Yes. The body contains 10-12 pints of blood. A blood donation is approximately one pint, called a unit of blood.
4. Will donating blood hurt?
You may feel a slight pinch in the beginning, which only lasts a couple of seconds, but there should be no discomfort during the process.
5. Can I get HIV/AIDS from donating blood?
NO. There is no risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or any other diseases through the donation process. Each collection kit is sterile, pre-packaged and used only once.
6. Is donated blood tested?
All donated blood is tested for blood type as well as for infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis, Malaria, Microfilaria, Chagas and HTLV (Human T- Lymphotrophic Virus).
7. Will donating blood interfere with my sex life?
NO. Donating blood does not affect your sex life, since there is no relationship between giving blood and your sex drive.
8. Can I donate blood if I have acold or flu?
NO. In order to donate, you must be in generally good health (symptom free)
9. Can I donate blood if I have High blood pressure?
Yes. If your blood pressure is under control and within the limits set in the donation guidelines.
10. Can I donate blood if I have Diabetes?
Diabetics on oral medications are generally accepted as donors.