World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on the 14 June every year. It is being distinguished to raise awareness about saving lives by blood donations. Each year millions of people all over the world decide to donate blood and plasma; this is the reason why it has been called the World Blood Donor Day.
Walk into any blood donation drive and you see only a handful of donors from a huge potential donor base. Call someone to donate blood in emergencies for a friend and you see people come forward but have too many questions in the head. Often people are worried about a lot of things when asked to donate blood. The one thing that tops this list is the concern Will I be safe after donation? or even My friend fainted will I faint too? etc and so on. Donors in most cases want that assurance of safety. Although much of the onus falls on the standard and quality of the Blood Bank staff, there is a lot more YOU as a donor can do to have a safe donation experience. Blood donation is indeed a simple and easy process once you ensure that the following mistakes are not committed:
# Not coming preparedPreparation? Yeah. Essentially every donor needs to make he/she does some work on oneself before donating blood. And what's that?
- Having something substantial to eat in the last 4 hours.
- Sleeping well for 6 or more hours on previous night.
- Not having smoked in the last 2 hours
- Not having consumed alcohol in the last 12 hours.
# Not filling donor formIrrespective of where or when you donate you need to answer some questions. And where are they available? On the donor questionnaire form. Remember:
- Every question answered honestly takes you closer to a safer blood donation.
- Be free in giving information. The data in the form is absolutely confidential, it is to ascertain your fitness for donation.
# Not having enough water before donationWater before donation? Yes.
- Having enough water (300 ml to 500 ml) in the 10 mins prior to donation is proven to reduce chances of donor discomfort post donation. Ensure that you have water (2-3 full cups) before proceeding for your medical examination.
# Not Disclosing Your Medical HistoryDisclosing the medical history and any medications you're on is important both for your as well as patient's safety. Remember:
- Inform the doctor if you're on medication.
- If you had undergone any surgery, dental extraction, ear or body piercing, tattooing you are not eligible to donate blood for six months.
- If you have taken any vaccination in the past one year please consult the doctor before donating blood.
- People who are on medication for hypertension or blood sugar are eligible to donate if their levels are under control. Do keep the medical officer informed about the same.
Now you have the fourth error avoided.
# Not being relaxedA relaxed mind is your best bet for a pleasurable experience.
- Relax for the blood bag used is new and there is no reuse of the syringe. Relax for you have taken sufficient pre donation care to reach here.
- Relax, for even if it your first time, the BB staff do this everyday!
Relax and enjoy the experience, throwing another mistake out of contention.
# Not taking care of yourself while donatingSelf care during donation may sound odd, but really there is a lot you can do to help yourself as you give out those drops of life.
- Lie down comfortably with muscles relaxed and legs uncrossed.
- Talk out if the prick hurts.
- Keep pressing the sponge ball.
- Do not panic by the sight of blood.
Be assured by doing this you are eliminating a big mistake that people make during donation.