❶ How To Donate Blood

Many people need blood transfusions: such procedures are required for trauma, childbirth, various anemias, hemophilia, etc. But not all blood components undergo long-term storage. Therefore, donors are needed constantly and in large quantities, especially in large cities. Blood donation can be free or paid, but in any case it will be a noble act and help save someone's life. Location: Location: If you decide to donate blood, first make sure you are the right fit. The blood donor must weigh over 50 kilograms and be at least 18 years old. There is a whole list of diseases for which blood cannot be donated. These include chronic liver diseases, mental illness, fungal skin lesions, bronchial asthma, hypertension of 2-3 degrees and others (the full list is presented here: http:// www.podari-zhizn.ru/main/node/7471).

In addition, if you have had a sore throat, SARS, flu, more than a month should pass after recovery. Operation, tooth extraction, contact with patients with hepatitis A, exacerbation of allergic diseases, taking antibiotics, arriving from abroad, having a child and even having a tattoo - all this affects whether a person can donate blood at a given time or whether it is necessary to wait a few months … The doctor will help you understand these intricacies.

There are also formal restrictions: the donor must have a residence permit in the territory of the region where the blood donation procedure will take place.

If you are suitable for the role of a donor, start looking for a blood transfusion station near you - this is easy to do via the Internet. Do not eat fatty, smoked, fried, eggs or milk for at least two days before the procedure. Drink plenty of fluids (other than alcohol). Don't take medication. Get a good night's sleep before traveling to the blood donation station, but do not have breakfast or limit yourself to sweet tea.

The procedure for donating blood varies from whether you donate whole blood or only platelets. In the first case, having arrived at the blood transfusion station, you will undergo a medical examination and fill out a questionnaire. Then you will be taken to a special room, arranged on a couch in a reclining position and a needle will be inserted into a vein, and 400-450 ml of blood will be taken. The procedure will take 5-10 minutes.

If you decide to donate platelets, you will first need to come for an examination, before which you cannot eat anything. Your doctor will draw 30 ml of blood from your vein. The next day, you will have to spend an hour and a half in front of the machine, which draws venous blood and filters platelets from it (450 ml). The rest is returned to the donor. Some centers have TVs, but just in case, bring a player so you don't get bored.

Blood plasma is donated in a similar way, only a preliminary examination is not required, the procedure will take place on another device and takes less time.

After donating blood, do not go outside immediately, you should give your body a little rest. Sit quietly for a while. If the station has a canteen, have tea and snacks. Do not forget to take a certificate: a person who has become a blood donor has two days off at work.

Recovery after the donation procedure includes the following: a healthy lifestyle, minimal physical activity, adequate nutrition, and sufficient fluid.