Credihealth Blog Your Guide to a Healthy Life
1. Define a unit of blood.
Blood is collected in plastic bags containing watery fluid which prevents blood from coagulating. About 450 ml. of blood from a person is taken, depending on the weight of the donor.
2. Can animal blood be transfused to human beings?
So far scientists have tried to do so but are not successful.
3. How long can blood be preserved?
Blood can be stored up to 35 days when kept in CPDA anti-coagulant solution- refrigerated at 2 – 4 degrees C. The demand is so high that blood hardly ever remains in storage & is used much before expiry.
4. Can blood be separated into its components?
With technical advancements we can. In most blood banks, the blood collected is converted into components and stored due to the reason that many patients do not require whole blood.
5. Is it necessary to answer health history questions every time I donate?
Donors must be asked all the standard screening questions at each donation to ensure the safest possible blood supply.
6. Is artificial blood real?
Scientists are working hard to find a successful substitute for human blood. This is what makes blood donors ever so vital and high in demand.
7. Can I donate blood if I just received a flu shot?
Yes. You can.
8. Can I donate blood if I have a cold or the flu?
Generally blood centres require you to be in good health (symptom-free) when donating blood.
9. Can I donate if I have high blood pressure?
Yes, you can donate blood if your blood pressure in under control.
10. What if I’m taking aspirin or doctor’s prescribed medication?
Aspirin, ibuprofen or the likes will not affect blood donation. However, Apheresis platelet donors, must not take aspirin or aspirin products 36 hours prior to donation. Many other medications are acceptable. Call the donor centre ahead of time and inquire about any medications you are taking.
11. What if I have anaemia?
In this case, you cannot give blood. Get your haemoglobin tested before you donate.
12. Can I increase my iron level? How?
A donor may be able to do so by eating foods high in iron such as red meat, dark green vegetables and raisins or by taking a multivitamin that contains iron.
