WHY GIVE BLOOD?

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100% of Sri Lankan blood donors are voluntary non remunerated donors.

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Your precious donation of blood can save as many as 3 lives.

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You can donate blood in every 4 months time.

14th JUNE

World Blood Donor Day.

WHO CAN GIVE BLOOD?

Who can donate blood?

  • The person must fulfill several criteria to be accepted as a blood donor. These criteria are set forth to ensure the safety of the donor as well as the quality of donated blood.

Donor Selection Criteria

  • Age above 18 years and below 60 years.
  • If previously donated, at least 4 months should be elapsed since the date of previous donation.
  • Hemoglobin level should be more than 12g/dL. (this blood test is done prior to each blood donation)
  • Free from any serious disease condition or pregnancy.
  • Should have a valid identity card or any other document to prove the identity.
  • Free from "Risk Behaviours".

Risk Behaviours

  • Homosexuals.
  • Sex workers and their clients.
  • Drug addicts.
  • Engaging in sex with any of the above.
  • Having more than one sexual partner

Type of Donors

  • Voluntory non remunerated donors. (donate for the sake of others and do not expect any benefit. their blood is considered safe and healthy)
  • Replacement donors. (donate to replace the units used for their friends or family members)
  • Paid donors. (receive payment for donation
  • Directed donors. (donate only for a specific patient's requirement)

THE DONATION PROCESS

The donation process

  • Giving blood is simple and it saves lives. When you give blood, it is collected so it can be used to treat someone else

Before you give blood

  1. Check you are able to give blood.
  2. Register your interest in being a donor.
  3. Follow the preparing to give blood recommendations.
  4. If you are unable to keep your donation appointment please try and give us at least 3 days' notice.

Welcome and preparation.

  • Remember to bring your completed donation safety check form with you, if you received one from us in the post. We will ask you to agree to our donor consent form which explains the importance of blood safety. It’s important to read that whenever you attend because advice does change. We will give you 500ml of fluid just before you give blood. Drinking this over about 5 minutes will help with your well-being during and after donation.

Health screening

  • We make sure it is safe for you to donate, and that your blood donation is safe for a patient to receive.
    1. We confirm your identity and ask you about the information on your donor health check form; a registered nurse may follow up if necessary.
    2. We test a drop of blood from your finger to check the iron levels (haemoglobin) in your blood.
  • If you are not able to donate we will explain why, and may ask you to make another appointment.
  • If you are able to donate you will be asked to sit in a waiting area until you are called to a donation chair.

Your blood donation

  • When you are comfortable on the chair we will ask you to confirm your name, address and date of birth.
  • We examine your arm and place a cuff on your arm to maintain a small amount of pressure during donation (this does not measure blood pressure).
  • We then examine your arm to find a suitable vein and clean it with an antiseptic sponge.
    1. We will insert a needle in your arm which will collect your blood into a blood bag with your unique donor number.
    2. You should not feel any discomfort or pain. If you do, tell a member of staff.
    3. A scale weighs the blood and stops when you have donated 470ml (or just under a pint). This usually takes between 5-10 minutes.
    4. The needle will be removed and a sterile dressing applied to your arm.