Health Tip: Meeting Criteria for Blood Donation
Your height and weight are basic criteria for being able to donate blood. But your health history and other factors also may prevent you from giving a pint.
Here are general guidelines for who can donate blood, courtesy of the University of California San Francisco Medical Center:
* You must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.
* You shouldn't have a blood pressure reading of higher than 180/100 at the time of donation. You can still donate if you take one or more blood pressure medications.
* You shouldn't have a body piercing (excluding ear piercing) or a tattoo applied in the prior 12 months.
* If you are diabetic, your symptoms must be well-controlled.
* You shouldn't donate if you have used intravenous drugs, are taking antibiotics for an active respiratory infection, are sick with a cold or the flu, have recently traveled to certain countries that harbor blood-borne conditions, have had hepatitis, or are at a high risk for HIV/AIDS.
Health Tip: Donating Blood
Donating blood is a safe and easy procedure that can help save lives.
Here is information on what to expect when you donate blood, courtesy of the American Red Cross:
* You'll have a mini-physical exam, where your blood pressure, pulse and temperature will be checked. You also will be asked questions about your lifestyle and health.
* The injection site on your arm will be sterilized, then a sterile needle will be inserted. Some minor stinging or discomfort is common when the needle enters the skin.
* It takes about 10 minutes to collect a pint of blood.
* You may need to lie still for a few minutes after the donation, and have a snack or a drink.
* If you donate to the Red Cross, you'll be given a form with follow-up instructions and a phone number to call in case you realize that your blood may not be safe to give to another person.
* A small number of donors may experience dizziness, fatigue or bruising at the injection site.
No comments:
Post a Comment