LOVE... is still in the making

Save lives. Donate Blood.

Did you know?

• 3 out of every 10 Filipinos who need blood do not get it.
• 7 out of every 10 units of blood transfused come from a paid donor.
• A paid donor is 3 times more likely to have any of the 4 blood transmissible diseases (malaria, Hepa B, syphilis, HIV) than a voluntary donor.
• Only 1 out of every 500 Filipinos voluntarily donates blood.

Who is the potential blood donor?

• One should be in good health.
• One should be in the age range from 16 to 65 years (for ages 16 & 17, parental consent is needed).
• One should be at least 110 lbs or 50 kg for blood donation of 450 ml.
• One should have a pulse rate between 60-100 beats per minute with regular rhythm.
• Blood pressure should be between 90-160 systolic and 60-100 diastolic while hemoglobin is at least 125 g/L.
• Blood pressure is safe range - 90 - 160 mmHg systolic ; 60 - 100 mmgHg diastolic.
• Hemoglobin is at least 125 g/l (12.5 g/dl).

How to become a donor?

• Register during the “Blood Donation Registration” on February 2-6 at the SJ Walk.
• Give your preferred time for blood letting.
• Fill out the Donor’s Form during the day of blood letting, which is on February 11-12 at the Yuchengco Lobby.
• A trained Blood Bank physician, to check if you are qualified to donate, will conduct a physical examination. This includes taking weight, blood type, blood pressure, RH typing, and hemoglobin level.

What must be done before blood donation?

• If you are scheduled to donate blood, avoid eating heavily before blood donation. Lightly low fat snack or meal may be taken. Fluids can be taken before blood donation.
• You will be asked to lie down on a bed for blood donation. The amount of blood, which will be taken, will be determined by the doctor and will depend on the body weight. This will never exceed 450 ml.
• You will be advised to rest for 10 minutes to allow the body to readjust after taking the blood. A beverage, simple snack, and a Blood Donation Record Card will be given. The volume of fluid taken is completely replaced by the body within 3-5 hours. What must be done after blood donation?
• Drink at least a full cup of water or juice just before leaving the donor’s room. Increase fluid intake for the next 48 hours.
• Do not smoke for at least 2 hours and do not take alcoholic beverages for the next 12 hours.
• If you feel dizzy, faint, too cold, or weak, place your head down between your knees or just lie down and elevate your legs over a pillow.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent bruising at the venipuncture site. Do not be alarmed if some bruising or discoloration occurs, it will disappear in a few days. If severe pain or discomfort develops, consult the Blood Bank Personnel or a doctor.

Why can’t some people donate blood?

Temporary reasons:

• Pregnancy
• Acute fever
• Recent alcohol intake
• Ear/body piercing and tattooing
• Recent surgery

Permanent reasons:

• Cancers
• Cardiac diseases
• Severe lung diseases
• Viral hepatitis
• HIV infection, AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
• Prolonged bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg. over 6 months
• Chronic alcoholism

Benefits of Donating Blood

• A physician will do physical examination, health history taking, and health counseling to a prospective blood donor.
• A medical technologist will examine blood type, ph type, and hemoglobin level through copper sulfate method.
• A Blood Donor Card will be given to a prospective donor.
• A 24-hour Blood Hotline Assistance with delivery service is available for ant person in need of blood.

Who receives blood?

From a single blood donation, up to 13 products can be produced, all serving a vital function to others in need. Those who receive blood from donations include:

• Patients suffering from shock
• Lost 20% or more of blood in an accident
• Loss in surgery
• Leukemia
• Childbirth
• Major trauma
• Liver transplants
• Hemophilia

What happens to your blood after you donate?

Unless whole blood is urgently needed, your blood donation, once cleared by all screening tests, is separated into its components. Using the particular component needed by a patient, it is now possible to use a single donation to treat several patients suffering from different illness. The technique is known as 'blood therapy'.