---------------------------------------------
Blood Donation
Blood donation is a process wherein a person voluntarily has blood drawn for the purpose of blood transfusion. There is tremendous demand for blood. Donated blood is used to replace blood lost during injury and major surgeries or to help patients with blood disorders. A unit of whole blood can save up to three people because it can be separated into 3 distinct products each with a different function.
Who can donate blood?
A donor should:
-be aged between 18 and 60 yrs old
-have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL
-weigh at least 50kg
-have a normal body temperature at the time of donation
-have a normal blood pressure at the time of donation
-be free from any disease at the time of donation
Who should not donate blood?
The following cannot donate blood:
-pregnant, lactating or menstruating women
-women who have recently had an abortion
-those who are on certain medicines or addicted to drugs
-those with multiple sexual partners
-those with signs of infection (jaundice, rubella, typhoid and malaria)
-those who have undergone surgery in the past 6 months
-those who consumed alcohol 24 hrs prior to donation
-those with tattoo/s and ear piercings (for guys)
-those with systemic disease
(heart disease, kidney disease, liver probs, blood disorders and asthma.
According to a friend nurse though, asthma is ok as long as no medication
was taken in the last 7 days)
-those who have undergone certain vaccinations
(to be decided by the blood bank)
How much blood is taken at the time of donation? How soon does the body recover from this loss?
An average person has 5-6 liters of blood in the body and only 450ml of blood is taken at the time of donation. In terms of volume, the loss is corrected within 24-48 hours by the body.
How long does the process of donation take?
The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes. It starts with the registration, health history and medical checkup of the donor. The actual donation usually takes less than 10 mins. Right after blood donation, the donor will be advised to rest for 5 to 10 mins.
How often can one donate?
The minimum time advised between 2 donations is 3 months. This gap helps blood regain the normal hemoglobin count.
Are there any hazards in blood donation? What are the precautions that need to be taken?
The donor's health will NOT suffer because of the blood donated. In fact, the bone marrow is stimulated to produce new cells. However, if the whole process is not hygienic, the donor may be exposed to infection.
What happens to the blood that is donated?
The blood is screened for possible disease or infection (HIV, Hepa B & C, syphillis, malaria). The blood is grouped and stored either as whole blood or as components like packed red blood cells, plasma or platelets.
---------------------------------------------
If you are not sure about your condition, that's ok, you can go to St. Luke's then let their medical checkup decide for you.
How to get there:
From South - Take a BUS/MRT to Cubao. Walk at northbound side of EDSA going to Aurora Blvd (Walk going north direction). Cross the mmda pink overpass then take a jeep labeled St. Lukes (Or labeled Quiapo. but ask the driver first if it will pass by E. Rod or St. Lukes). It will pass by St. Lukes --It'll be after Christ the King church, and QC Sports Complex. Alternative: Take a BUS/MRT to Cubao, then take a cab -It will cost ~P80. From Manila/Taft - I'm not sure about this - There's an FX/jeep going to cubao. Ask the driver if it will pass by St. Lukes/E. Rod. If you have a private car, good but I don't recommend saturday morning to afternoon --getting a parking slot is really hard. Sat and Weekdays nights seem ok. Sunday is the best.
The blood you will donate will be a replacement for what was used for my dad's operation, hence ANY blood type is ok, and donation period has no deadline. If you are going on a weekday after work, or on a Saturday morning, let me know --maybe we can provide transportation (If you're donating within now to March 10).
If you wish to personally see me while you're there, just text me and I'd gladly meet you ...but only after work, and during the weekend, until March 10.
THAT's IT! Don't forget to have enough sleep before donation day, and please bring a valid ID! If you have more questions, just buzz/text me. You may also contact St. Luke's through 723-0101/0301 or info@stluke.com.ph.
Just your willingness --even if you're found to be ineligible for donation later on-- is already enlightening for my family. Thanks in advance, we're thanking God for giving you a very generous heart.
