Blood Donation: Importance and Guidelines
The war in Ukraine continues, with a high demand for donated blood.
Employees of the Primary Health Care Center No. 16 have conducted their tenth joint blood donation campaign. Medical professionals understand the critical need for a stable supply of donor blood, which is why the team donates blood every two months.
Benefits of blood donation include:
- reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
- preventing certain types of cancer related to excess iron;
- renewing the body;
- regular donors live 3-5 years longer;
- the ability to save other lives.
One donation can save up to three lives.
Blood donation is a vital contribution to Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Current needs for donated blood in Odessa can be found on the Telegram channels "Odessa. Official" and "Donor Odessa".
Since the war began, the "Donor Odessa" project has facilitated over 11,500 donations, saving thousands of lives.
***
A donor can be a citizen of Ukraine or a resident permit holder, weighing at least 50 kg and aged between 18 and 60 (up to 65 with a doctor's permission).
There must be at least 60 days between whole blood donations, and for certain components (plasma or platelets), the next donation can occur after 14 days.
Donating blood is completely safe, as sterile single-use instruments are used. Before donation, hemoglobin levels are checked and tests for viruses are conducted.
Absolute contraindications:
- HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis;
- active tuberculosis;
- severe diseases;
- cancer;
- chronic kidney failure;
- severe skin diseases;
- epilepsy, mental disorders;
- organ amputation surgeries;
- organ transplantation.
Temporary contraindications:
- infectious diseases - 2 weeks after recovery;
- tuberculosis - 2 years;
- hepatitis A - 1 year;
- tattoos, piercings - 6 months;
- surgeries - 6 months;...
Preparation for donation:
For 72 hours - avoid pain relievers; for 48 - avoid alcohol.
Foods to avoid before donation:
- fatty meats, dairy products, fruits, and sodas.
Smokers can donate, but must refrain from smoking for 2 hours before and 1-2 hours after.
