How much time does it take for my body to replace the blood I donated?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Not long at all. The volume of fluids will adjust within a few hours of your donation. The red blood cells will be replaced within a few weeks.
Can I still donate if I have high blood pressure?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Yes, if your blood pressure is under control and within the limits set in the donation guidelines.
Does donated blood stay on the shelf indefinitely until it is used?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
No. Each unit of whole blood normally is separated into several components. Red blood cells may be stored under refrigeration for a maximum of 42 days depending on the anti-coagulant-preservative or additive used in the blood bag, or they may be frozen for up to 10 years.Red cells carry oxygen and are used to treat anemia. Platelets are important in the control of bleeding and are generally used in patients with leukemia and other forms of cancer. Platelets are stored at room temeperature and may be kept for a maximum of five days. Fresh frozen plasma, used to control bleeding due to low levels of some clotting factors, is made from fresh plasma and may be stored frozen up to one year. Granulocytes are sometimes are used to fight infections, although their efficacy is not well established. They must be transfused within 24 hours of donation.
Other products manufactured from blood include albumin, immune globulin, specific immune globulins, and clotting factor concentrates.Commercial manufacturers commonly produce these blood products.
How long until my blood is used?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Most blood donations are processed and available for use within 48 hours. The reason for this is because each blood samples collected from donors will have to be tested for 4 markers of infectious diseases (HIV 1/2, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and Malaria) Blood grouping and Rh typing will also have to be determined to complete the testing.
Do I have enough blood in my body to donate?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Yes. The body contains 10 to 12 pints (5 to 6 liters) of blood. Your whole blood donation approximately one pint or equivalent to 450 to 500 milliliters.
If I have a cold or the flu, can I donate blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
In order to donate, blood centers require that you be in generally good health (symptom-free) and recommend that you are feeling well.
What is the most common blood type?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
The most common blood type is Blood Group O followed by A, then B and AB. More than 99% of Filipinos are Rh positive while less than 1% has Rh negative blood.
How can I increase my iron level?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Donors may be deferred from donating due to a low hematocrit (iron) level. This restriction is for the safety of the donor and ensures that after donation, the donor's hematocrit level will still be within the normal range for a health adult. Since hematocrit levels can fluctuate daily, a deferral for a low hematocrit level does not mean a donor is anemic. A donor may help increase his or her hematocrit levels by eating foods high in iron such as red meat, dark green vegetables and raisins or by taking a multivitamin that contains iron.
What fees are associated with blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
While donated blood is free, there are significant costs associated with collecting, testing, preparing components, labeling, storing and shipping; recruiting and educating donors; and quality assurance. As a result, processing fees are charged to recover costs. Processing fees for individual blood components vary considerably. The following are acceptable maximum allowable processing fee for blood/components:Whole blood: Php 1,500.00; Pack Red Cells: Php 1,100.00; Fresh FrozenPlasma: Php 700.00; Cryopprecipitate: Php 700.00; and Cryosupernate:Php 700.00. (AO 181 s. 2002). Hospitals charge for any additional testing that may be required, such as the crossmatch, as well as for the administration of the blood.
Does the donor need to rest after donating blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Yes. The donor needs rest, preferably lying down, so that the amount of blood that has been donated soon gets poured into the circulation from the body pools in a natural way. The donor should take it easy for about 15 to 20 minutes.
What if I'm taking aspirin or medication prescribed by my doctor?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Aspirin and Ibuprofen will not affect a whole blood donation. Apheresis platelet donors, however, must not take aspirin or aspirin products 36 hours prior to donation. Many other medication are acceptable. It is recommended that you call the Philippine Blood Center ahead of time to inquire about any medication you are taking.
How will I feel after I donate?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Most people feel great after giving blood. If you feel any abnormal symptoms, let a staff member at the blood center or blood drive know. You should avoid lifting heavy objector strenuous exercise for the next 24 hours; otherwise you can resume full activity as long as you feel well.
Who can donate?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Basic requirement of a potential blood donor:
- Weight: At least 110 lbs (50 kg).
- Blood volume collected will depend mainly on you body weight.
- Pulse rate: Between 60 and 100 beats/minute with regular rhythm.
- Blood pressure: Between 90 and 160 systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic.
- Hemoglobin: At least 125 g/L.
How badly is blood needed?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Blood supplies can vary depending on the region and time of year. As donor qualifications continue to become stricter and as the donor population ages, our nation is at risk of a low blood supply. If you are eligible, your blood donations are needed.
Are blood donors paid?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
No. Blood collected for transfusion in this country is given by altruistic volunteer blood donors.
What if I have anemia?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
You cannot give blood if you have anemia. However, this can often be a temporary condition. Your hemoglobin will be tested before you donate to make it is at an acceptable level.
Can a donor work after donating blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Of course! Routine work is absolutely fine after the initial rest. Rigorous physical work should be avoided for a few hours.
What can you do if you aren't eligible to donate?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
While a given individual may be unable to donate, he or she may be able to recruit a suitable donor. The Blood Center is always in need of volunteers to assist at blood draws or to organize mobile blood drives. In addition, volunteer works are always welcome help the blood center ensure the continuous supply of safe blood to those in need.
If I just received a flu shot, can I donate blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Yes. There is no waiting period to donate after receiving a flu shot.
Is there anything I should do before I donate?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Be sure to eat well at your regular mealtimes and drink plenty of fluids.
Can I get AIDS from donating blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
No. There is no risk of contracting AIDS or any other disease through the donation process. Each collection kit is sterile, pre-packaged and used only once.
If I was deferred once before,am I still ineligible to donate?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
If your deferral is of a premature nature, you will be informed. Otherwise, the deferral time depends upon the reason for deferral. Prior to each donation, you will be given a mini-physical and medical interview. At that time, it will be determined if you are eligible to donate blood on that particular day.
Are the health history questions necessary everytime I donate?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all donors must be all the screening questions at each donation. The DOH requires blood centers conform to this practice.
What does the term "donor deferral" mean?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Individuals disqualified from donating blood are known as "deferred" donors. A prospective donor may be deferred at any point during the collection and testing process. Whether or not a person is deferred temporarily or permanently will depend on the specific reason for disqualification (e.g. a person may be deferred temporarily because of anemia, a condition that is usually reversible). If a person is to be deferred, his or her name is entered into a list of deferred donors maintained by the blood center, often known as the "deferral registry."If a deferred donor attempts to give blood before the end of the deferral period, the donor will nt be accepted for donation. Once the reason for the deferral no longer exists and the temporary deferral period has lapsed, the donor may return to the blood and be re-entered into the system.
Those who may be deferred include:
- Anyone who has ever used intravenous drugs (illegal IV drugs)
- Men who have had sexual contact with other men
- Anyone who has ever received clotting factor concentrates
- Anyone with a positive test for HIV (AIDS virus)
- Men and woman who have engaged in sex for money or drugs
- Anyone who has had hepatitis
- Anyone who has taken Tegison for psoriasis
- Anyone who has risk factors for vCJD
Does the donor suffer from any harmful effects after donating blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Absolutely not, rather a donor after having given blood voluntarily gets a feeling of great pleasure, peace and bliss. Soon, within a period of 24 to 48 hours, the same amount of new blood gets formed in the body, which helps the donor in many ways. His own body resistance improves, the circulation improves, and he himself feels healthier than before.
How often can a person donate blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
The minimum interval between 2 donations is 12 weeks (3 months). This interval allows our body Val allows our body to restore it iron stock. Platelet (aphaeresis) donors may donate more frequently than - as often as once every two weeks and up to 24 times per year. This is because the body replenishes platelets and plasma more quickly than red cells. Platelets will return to normal levels.
What are the steps in blood donation?
Name of Office:
National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
A. Before blood donation
- You will be asked to fill up a Donor's Form upon arrival at the blood collection site.
- Questions regarding your health history wil be asked by a trained professional staff.
- Pre-donation educationand counselling will be given by a trained professional staff.
- Your weight, blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature will be checked.
- You will be examined by a physician.
- Small sample of blood will be taken to check your blood type and hemoglobin level.
Screening and selection procedure will usually take about 10 to 15 minutes. You are encouraged to give accurate data for your own safety and that of the recipient. All information gathered wil be treated with utmost confidentiality.
B. During Blood Donation
- You will be asked to lie down on the blood donor's couch for blood collection which will be done by a skilled phlebotomist.
- The amount of blood which will be taken and will be determined by a physician. It will depend mainly on your body weight and does not exceed 450 ml.
- This will take another 10 to 15 minutes.
C. After Blood Donation
- You will be advised to rest for 10 more minutes.
- Beverage and simple snacks will be served.
- Post-donation education and counselling will be given by a trained professional staff.
- You will be advised to drink more fluids.
- The volume of fluids taken is completely replaced by the body within 3 to 5 hours.
How long will the actual donation process take?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
The actual donation takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The entire donation process, from registration to post-donation refreshments, takes about one hour.
Why are there often blood shortages?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Most blood centers strive to maintain an optimum inventory level of a three day supply. Due to unpredictable demands from trauma incidents, the inventory fluctuates hourly. When the blood supply drops below a three day level, the blood center starts alerting local donors to increase the inventory to a saef operating level.
Will donating blood hurt?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
You may feel a slight sting in the beginning, lasting only a couple of seconds, but there should be no discomfort during the donation.
Is there such thing as artificial blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Scientists have yet to find a successful substitute for human blood. This is why blood donors are so vital to the lives of those who are in need of blood.
Who receives blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
From a single blood donation, there are 3 main components that can be derived. Each component will be used for specific patient need. The people who can benefit from your donated blood are:
• Patients suffering from severe blood loss.
• Leukemia patients.
• Hemophilia patients.
• Mothers giving birth with complication.
• Major trauma patients.
• Transplant patients, etc.
What are the reasons why a person cannot donate blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
There are certain conditions that prevent a person from donating blood temporarily or permanently. Among the temporary conditions are:
- Pregnancy
- Acute fever
- Recent alcoholic intake
- Ear or body piercing and tattooing
- Surgery
Persons with the following conditions are not allowed to donate blood anyime:
- Cancer
- Cardiac disease
- Sever lung disease
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV infection, AIDS or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
- High risk occupation (e.g. prostitution)
- Unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg over 6 months
- Chronic alcoholism
- Other conditions or disease stated in the Guide to Medical Assessment of Blood Donors.
Where can I donate?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
Share your blood at the following:
> Blood Service Facilities (BSF)
- Philippine Blood Center
- DOH Hospital (BSF)
- PRC (BSF)
- LGUs / NGOs (BSF)
> During various mobile blood donation activities
- Community
- Participating government organizations
- Private Kabalikat agencies
- Schools / Universities
What types of tests are performed on donated blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
After blood is drawn, it is tested for ABO group (blood type) and RH type (positive or negative). Test for unexpected red blood cell antibodies that may cause problems for the recipient can be performed upon the request of the patient's attending physician. Screening tests performed are listed below:
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV)/ antigen (HCV Ag)
- HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody (anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2) antigen (HIV-1 and HIV-2 Ag)
- Serologic test for syphilis
- Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for HIV-1, HCV and HBV if available
In which situations do people generally donate blood?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
There are three types of blood donors:
1. PROFESSIONAL/PAID DONORS
They sell their blood, which is of very poor quality and can transmit very dangerous diseases to the recipient. It is illegal to take blood from any professional or paid donor.
2. REPLACEMENT DONATION
Healthy relatives and friends of the patient give their blood, of any group, to the blood bank. In exchange, the required number of units in the required blood group is given.
3. VOLUNTARY DONATION
Here, a donor donates blood voluntarily. The blood can be used for any patient even without divulging the identity of the donor. This is the best type of blood donation where a motivated human being gives blood in an act of selfless service.
How much blood is taken?
Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)
For a whole blood donation, approximately one pint (which weighs about one pound) is collected. This is also equivalent to about 450 to 500 milliliters. For a platelet donation, the amount collected depends on your height, weight and platelet count if collected through Apheresis or about 50 to 70 milliliters for random donor platelet concentrate.
