Surprising Effects Of Blood Donation, Effects, Advantages and Risks

Blood donation is a voluntary procedure that can help save lives. There are several types of blood donation. Each type helps meet different medical needs.

Whole blood donation is the most common type of blood donation. During this donation, you donate about a pint (about half a liter) of whole blood. The blood is then separated into its components — red cells, plasma, and sometimes platelets.

Why it's done

Millions of people need blood transfusions each year. Some may need blood during surgery. Others depend on it after an accident or because they have a disease that requires certain parts of blood. Blood donation makes all of this possible. There is no substitute for human blood — all transfusions use blood from a donor.

What To Know Before You Donate

Here are some important things to know before you donate:

• You need to be 17 or older to donate whole blood. Some states allow you to donate at 16 with parental consent.
• You have to weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate.
• You need to provide information about medical conditions and any medications you’re taking. These may affect your eligibility to donate blood.

Side Effects Of Donating Blood

Blood donation is safe for healthy adults. There’s no risk of contracting the disease. New, sterile equipment is used for each donor.

Some people may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy after donating blood. If this happens, it should only last a few minutes. You can lie down with your feet up until you feel better.

Blood Donation Risks

It is safe. New, sterile disposable equipment is used for each donor, so there's no risk of getting a bloodborne infection by donating blood.

Most healthy adults can donate a pint (about half a liter) safely, without health risks. Within a few days of a blood donation, your body replaces the lost fluids. And after two weeks, your body replaces the lost red blood cells.