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No product can replace human blood. This statement is enough to highlight the importance of blood donation to human health in particular and world health in general.
Due to the increase in blood products’ consumption year after year, donors’ generosity constitutes a cornerstone for patients with blood diseases.
Whether you’re asking how your donation will help or what makes you eligible to donate, this article will answer your questions.
Did you know that with each blood donation, you could help up to 3 people? Blood donation is a win-win situation where you’re saving others’ lives and your own as well! Actually, donating blood replenishes your body by keeping the bone marrow active and regenerating red blood cells on a frequent basis.
Blood transfusion is essential to the treatment of diseases such as leukemia or lymphoma as well as for treating hemorrhages during surgery or after an accident.
There are many criteria that determine someone’s eligibility to donate, such as:
- Age: ideal age is between 18 and 60 years old
- Weight: a minimum of 50 kg for women and a minimum of 60 kg for men
- A minimum interval of 8 weeks between donations
- Hemoglobin level must be 12.5 - 16 g/dl for females (Hematocrit = 38 - 48%) and 13.5 - 18 g/dl for males (Hematocrit = 40 - 54%)
- Blood Pressure: 100-140 mm Hg for Systolic and 60-90 mm Hg for Diastolic
- Temperature: <37.6 ºC
- Pulse: 60-100 bpm
Actually, a medical interview is organized between the physician and the donor before every donation, where the donor is informed about all details such as the risk behaviors and situations that could cause a contamination.
There is no need to worry since the donor can’t be infected when donating blood. The material which is used for blood donation is sterile and single-used. However, some steps can be taken prior and after giving blood.
Before donating:
- Have a good night’s sleep.
- Eat well. Avoid heavy meals.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol and an excess of caffeine.
After donating:
- Have a short rest. Do not get up quickly.
- Have a snack like a juice or chocolate bar
- Stay hydrated for the upcoming 24 hours (water, water water!!!)
BLC Bank recognized the importance of this topic and organized a blood donation day on April 8, 2019 in partnership with AUBMC and Donner Sang Compter. As part of our commitment to our community and as part of BLC Bank’s support to CSR, 30 employees were motivated to donate, where 21 were able to give blood where units were collected for Children Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL).
As each blood donation process, the procedure was realized in four steps:
Employees filled a questionnaire first, where they were requested to provide details about their overall health. Afterwards, a quick test was done in order to calculate hemoglobin rate and making sure that blood pressure is within normal range. Employees then headed to final step of donating blood, a process that takes 15 to 20 minutes. They were offered at the end juice and chocolate, since liquids are essential after blood donation.
Based on a short interview with AUBMC medical representatives, we were able to gather basic information regarding blood donation criteria, standards and conditions discussed above. Some feedback was collected from donators expressing their happiness in donating blood, and how every single unit can make a huge positive effect. In this framework, Mr. Abdo Saad, communication manager at Donner Sang Compter, emphasized: ''On the occasion of the World Blood Donor Day, we would like to thank all those who donate blood - or at least try to do so. The need for blood in Lebanon is estimated to be around 150,000 blood units every year, thus we need the help of every possible person to try and donate on a regular basis''.
Motivated to donate blood and save lives? Do not hesitate to call Donner Sang Compter on 03 314 868. As Winston Churchill said, ''We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.''
