The eligibility criteria to donate blood is continuously changing based on the most current scientific evidence. In general, you must be healthy, older than 17 years old, and weigh at least 50 kg (110 lb). To avoid blood infections, it is also important to not use drugs or have multiple sexual partners in the last three months [1, 2]. Canadian Blood Services has both a short eligibility quiz here and common reasons for ineligibility here [3,4].
Before arriving at the donation centre, it is important to stay hydrated, eat a nice healthy meal (avoiding fatty foods), and get a good night’s sleep.
After arriving, a health history check and a brief physical exam (blood pressure, pulse, and temperature) will be performed. Then, while sitting, a tourniquet will be placed around your arm – this makes the veins easier to see. For a whole blood donation, about half a litre is collected to donate (there is approximately five litres in an adult), and some extra tubes to test for infectious diseases and blood type [1]. There are also different types of donations: platelets, plasma, and red blood cells. Each one has the same process but could differ in the amount of time to spend at the clinic [5].
After the donation, it is important to remain seated for a few minutes in case of light-headedness [6]. In some cases, a snack and some refreshments may be offered.
There are no serious or lasting risks associated with blood donations. All the equipment is new, sterile, and disposable, making it highly unlikely to get an infection [1, 7]. Moreover, the body will replace the lost fluid in a few days, and the lost red blood cells in around two weeks [1]. However, if a few days after donating blood you don’t feel well, visit your healthcare provider.
Lastly, donating could actually benefit your health! Some studies have shown that donating blood could have cardiovascular benefits since the body is replenishing its blood [8, 9], although, more research has to be done [9].
Stay tuned for the next post, it discusses what happens to blood once it has been donated!
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Written by: María
Edited by: Natasha
BioDecoded is a volunteer group committed to sharing accurate scientific information. For more information about vaccines or other scientific processes, please see previous posts or consult with your personal physician. If you have any questions about this topic, please comment or send them to our email.
References:
Blood donation. Mayo Clinic (2022). Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-donation/about/pac-20385144 (Accessed: 14 November 2022).
Am I eligible to donate blood? Canadian Blood Services (2022). Available at: https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/am-i-eligible-donate-blood (Accessed: 14 November 2022).
ABCs of eligibility to donating blood. Canadian Blood Services (2022). Available at: https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/am-i-eligible-donate-blood/abcs-eligibility (Accessed: 14 November 2022).
Join Canada’s Lifeline – Eligibility quiz. Canadian Blood Services (2022). Available at: https://myaccount.blood.ca/en/eligibility-quiz? (Accessed: 14 November 2022).
Types of Blood Donations. Canadian Blood Services (2022). Available at: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/types-of-blood-donations.html (Accessed: 17 November 2022).
Blood donation process at Canadian Blood Services. Canadian Blood Services (2022). Available at: https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/donating-blood/donation-process (Accessed: 14 November 2022).
Questions about blood donation safety. Canadian Blood Services (2022). Available at: https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/donating-blood/donor-health-and-safety (Accessed: 14 November 2022).
Yunce, M., et al. (2016) One more health benefit of blood donation: reduces acute-phase reactants, oxidants and increases antioxidant capacity. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, Vol. 27 (Issue 6), pp. 653-657. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2015-0111
Quee FA, et al. (2022) Cardiovascular Benefits for Blood Donors? A Systematic Review. Transfusion Medicine Reviews, Vol. 36(Issue 3), pp. 143-151. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35606245/
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