Blood is the vital force that sustains life by delivering oxygen to every cell in the body. Medical science may have advanced by leaps and bounds, but still, it has found no substitute for blood. So the only way to restore lost blood quickly is through donation. That’s why donating blood is seen as a noble act. To celebrate this selfless deed, to pay gratitude to donors and to urge more people to donate blood, the World Blood Donor Day is observed every year on June 14. If you have also wondered about donating your blood, but wasn’t sure how, here are the steps you need to remember. On World Blood Donor Day 2019, here’s how you can donate blood and save a life. Avoid These 10 Mistakes While Donating Blood.

Why Donate Blood?

Blood donation helps save lives. Patients require blood due to either health conditions like cancer or accidents. Your donated blood can save women from complications of pregnancy, children suffering from anaemia, people who have undergone physical trauma and patients who have been operated upon.

Blood, a perishable commodity, cannot be stored indefinitely. It has to be discarded after a period of time. Hence there’s a constant requirement for blood. Regular blood donation helps to maintain a sufficient amount in the banks for patients in need.  Health Benefits of Blood Donation You Didn't Know About. 

 Blood Donation Quotes (Watch Video):

Rules of Blood Donation

  • The age at which each country allows a donor to donate blood varies. But if you belong to the 18-65 age group, you can safely donate blood.

  • First-time donors shouldn’t be over 60 years. If you want to donate only a component of your blood – like plasma, white cells, red cells – you have to be between 18-60 years of age.

  • You cannot donate blood if you have transmittable diseases like HIV, hepatitis B or C.

  • You cannot donate if you have heart diseases, hypertension, cancer, epilepsy, kidney problems and diabetes.

  • You cannot donate if you have undergone piercing or tattooing in the past six months.

  • You are ineligible to donate if you have received vaccines in the last month.

  • You also cannot donate blood if you work as an aircrew member, long-distance vehicle driver or in emergency services if you plan to donate less than 24 hours before your next shift.

How to Donate Blood

Approach blood donation organisations such as Sankalp, Indian Red Cross Society, Khoon Organization, Save Life India, BloodConnect Foundation, Think Foundation, etc. if you wish to donate blood. Find out if there's a blood donation camp happening close to where you live. Once you finalise the date and time, here are some blood donation tips to remember.

  • Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours before donating blood.

  • But do not donate blood on an empty stomach. The last meal should be taken at least four hours before you donate.

  • Fill a medical questionnaire first. This test whether you are eligible for blood donation.

  • Drink plenty of fluids on the day you wish to donate blood.

  • Prior to your blood donation, you will undergo a mandatory health check-up to rule out health problems.

  • If you are allergic to iodine, make that very clear to the medical attendants who may use it to clean the puncture point.

  • Do not rush out as soon as the donation process is over. Stay back, eat some refreshments provided by the centre till you feel strong enough to leave.

  • Increase your fluid intake for the next 24-48 hours.

  • Avoid lifting heavy weights for the next five hours.

  • Do not drink alcohol or smoke for the next 24 hours.

Donating blood safely makes no difference to your body, which may eventually replenish the lost amount. Yet your decision to donate blood can give another person a new life. So if you want to go ahead with blood donation, keep these guidelines in mind.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).