Myths & Tips of Blood Donation

A) Myths & Tips of Blood Donation:

1. Will donating blood hurt???

♥ Donating blood is not painful. It may feel like a slight pinch or sting when the needle is first inserted, but there is no pain during the donation.

♥ Donating blood hurts a lot less than having someone you care about need blood and not get it because it's not there.

2. How long will it take to replenish the pint???

♥ Blood volume and plasma is replaced within 24 hours. Red cells need about 4 to 8 weeks for complete replacement. You can donate again in 56 days or 8 weeks.

3. I don't have time???

♥ It doesn't take long: about 45 minutes in all from arrival to departure.

4. I might catch something from donating???

♥ Donations are drawn using sterile equipment that is disposed of after a single use, and the professionals who draw your blood wear sterile latex gloves that are disposed of immediately after use on a single patient. At no time will you come in contact with any piece of equipment or material that has had contact with blood or body fluids of someone else.

5. I take medication, so I can't donate???

♥ Depending on what medication you're on, it may halt donation for a period, though in many cases it won't prevent you from donating at all. It's always a good idea to inform nursing staff of this before attending a donation session.

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6. I'm too old/ young???

♥ The age limit is 18-60. For those who is 61-65, you have to get the certified document about your health situation from doctor. So long as you are healthy and weigh at least 45 kg, you can continue to contribute to your community.

♥ Once you turn 18 with weight at least 45 kg, you can make a real grown-up contribution to your community.

7. I can't donate my blood because I'm a vegetarian which means my blood doesn't have enough iron in it???

♥ There's no problem with vegetarians giving blood, the iron needed is taken from stores in the body, and are replaced after donation. Provided you have a balanced diet, you should be able to replenish your iron supply within a month. Vegetarians may take a little longer though to make up their iron levels after a donation.

8. I am a International Students, can I donate?

♥ Yes, you can donate, with the conditions that you have stay in Malaysia for at least 1 year without leaving Malaysia within the period.

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9. Others~

♥ You will not faint or feel uncomfortable after donating blood. This is a common misconception.

♥ You wont feel drained or tired if you continue to drink fluids and have a good meal.

♥ You can resume your normal activities after donating blood, though you are asked to refrain from exercise or heavy weight lifting for twelve hours after donation.

♥ Donating blood will not leave you low of blood; in fact you will still have surplus blood after the donation.

♥ If you choose to consume alcohol, you can on the next day.

♥ Even if your blood type is common there is still a requirement. Patients are just like donors - most of them have common blood types. Because your blood type is common, the demand for that type is greater than for rare types.

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B) Tips of Blood Donation:

+ Sleep at least 5 hours the night before donating.

+ No dieting in the previous 24 hours.

+ Be sure to eat a good breakfast or lunch the day of your donation.

+ Drink 2 to 3 eight-ounce glasses of fluid before donating and in the first four hours afterwards. Water and juices are great (Avoid caffeine). A high fluid intake should continue for the next 2 to 3 days.

+ Do not drink hot liquids, smoke, or chew gum 30 minutes prior to donating. This may falsely elevate your body temperature reading. (You can smoke 3 hours after donation)

+ Be honest about your weight. The need to weigh (male & female) at least 45kg is set for your safety.

+ Wear comfortable, non-constrictive clothing. Short sleeves are best.

+ Relax, take a deep breath and have fun!

+ Please accept the snacks offered to you after the donation, it is vital you have them. You are recommended to have a good meal later.

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GIVE BLOOD, SAVE LIVES! ♥♥♥

If have any question, you can refer to

http://www.pdn.org.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=3&Itemid=64

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