Who can donate blood?

1. Who can donate blood?

Any healthy person aged 18–65 years, weighing at least 45 kg, with a haemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dL or above, can donate blood. For first time donors upper age limit is 60 years.

2. How often can a person donate Whole blood?

Men: Every 3 months or 90 days

Women: Every 4 months or 120 days

3. What is the interval between blood donation and Single donor Platelets (SDP) donation?

Single donor Platelets can be donated after 28 days of last Whole blood Donation.

Whole Blood Donation can be donated after 7 days of a Single Donor Platelet donation provided the interval between two whole blood donations is met as per criteria.

4. Is blood donation safe?

Yes. Blood donation is completely safe. Sterile, single-use needles and blood bags are used for every donor, ensuring no risk of infection.

5. How much blood is collected during donation?

350–450 ml of blood is collected depending on the weight of donor. If the donor weight is 45kg to 55 kg a 350 ml of blood is collected and if donor weight is >55kg, 450ml of blood is collected.

6. Can I donate blood if I have Diabetes?

Yes, if your diabetes is maintained by oral medication. If you take Insulin for maintaining diabetes, then you cannot donate blood.

7. Can I donate blood if I have High Blood Pressure?

Yes, if your blood pressure is maintained on oral medication.

8. Can I donate blood if I am on medication?

Some medications may temporarily defer donation like antibiotics. Please inform the medical officer during screening for proper guidance.

10. Are there any side effects after donation?

Most donors feel normal. Rarely, mild dizziness may occur, which can be avoided by resting and drinking fluids after donation.

11. Is donated blood tested?

Yes. Every unit of blood is tested for Blood Grouping, Irregular antibody screening , HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and Malaria as per national guidelines.

12. Why should I donate blood voluntarily?

Voluntary blood donation saves lives, ensures safe blood availability and reflects social responsibility and humanity.

13. Can women donate blood?

Yes. Women can donate blood if they meet eligibility criteria and are not pregnant or undergone an abortion, breastfeeding, or currently menstruating.