World Blood Donor Day! What are the requirements for voluntary blood donation? What should you pay attention to? Learn more in one article

June 14, 2023 is the 20th World Blood Donor Day. We sincerely thank every voluntary blood donor for their dedication! This year's slogan for World Blood Donor Day in my country is "Donate blood, share life". So, what should we pay attention to when donating blood?

Basic requirements for blood donation

1. Age: The state encourages citizens aged 18 to 55 to donate blood; if a multiple blood donor who has no previous blood donation reaction and meets the health examination requirements actively requests to donate blood again, the age limit can be extended to 60 years old;

2. Weight of whole blood donation: male ≥50kg, female ≥45kg;

3. Blood pressure: 12.0 Kpa (90 mmHg) ≤ systolic pressure < 18.7 Kpa (140 mmHg), 8.0 Kpa (60 mmHg) ≤ diastolic pressure < 12.0 Kpa (90 mmHg), pulse pressure difference: ≥ 4.0 Kpa (30 mmHg);

4. Pulse: 60~100 beats/minute, ≥50 beats/minute for high endurance athletes.

Things to note before donating blood

1. Ensure adequate sleep and maintain daily living habits the day before donating blood. Avoid long-term strenuous exercise.

2. Bring your ID card or other valid ID document on the day of blood donation;

3. Do not fast on the day of donating whole blood. It is advisable to eat a light diet. Do not eat high-fat, high-protein foods such as fatty meat, fried foods, soy milk, etc. for the two meals before blood donation. Do not drink alcohol if you are not taking any medication.

Things to note when donating blood

1. Before donating blood, you must fill out a "Blood Donor Health Inquiry Form" to conduct a health inquiry before donating blood and truthfully reflect your physical health status;

2. Before donating blood, blood pressure, pulse, and weight must be measured, and blood samples must be collected for initial examination. The test items include blood type, blood specific gravity, hepatitis B surface antigen, and alanine aminotransferase;

3. When donating blood, straighten your arms, and clench your fist according to the medical staff's instructions. Relax and communicate with the medical staff in time if you have any questions.

Things to note after donating blood

1. After donating blood, press the needle hole with three fingers together for 15 minutes, or use a professional elastic bandage to bandage it for 25-30 minutes, and rest at the blood donation site for at least 15 minutes;

2. Do not lift heavy objects with the donated arm within 2 hours after blood donation. You can remove the Band-Aid after 4 hours. Do not let the needle hole get wet within 24 hours. Do not do strenuous exercise or heavy physical labor.

3. Ensure adequate rest and a proper diet after donating blood. Blood volume can be restored after 1 to 2 hours by drinking appropriate amounts of water to replenish body fluids. 7 to 10 days after donating whole blood, red blood cells and hemoglobin can return to pre-donation levels.