Blood Bank FAQ’s
Who are the blood donors at Jeevan Blood Bank?
Jeevan accepts blood only from safe non-remunerated voluntary blood donors with clean medical history.
How often can one donate blood?
A healthy individual (male or female) can donate blood once in 90 days subject to acceptable level (= or > 12.5 gms/dl) of pre-donation Haemoglobin concentration. Jeevan recommends blood donation twice a year.
Are there any steps I need to follow after blood donation?
- Rest for at least 10 – 15 minutes. Light refreshment will be provided.
- Do not leave the donor site without the permission of a staff member.
- If you feel dizzy either lie down or sit down with your head between your knees until you feel well.
- Do not smoke for at least one hour.
- Drink more than the usual amount of fluids and avoid alcohol intake for 24 hours.
- Make your next meal a really hearty one.
- Avoid lifting heavy weights or exercise for 24 hours.
- Leave the gauze or band-aid on for 4-6 hours and do not get it wet.
- If you have any problems please do not hesitate to call the blood bank and talk to the doctor or nurse.
Can I develop AIDS, Hepatitis or any other disease by donating blood?
NO. Jeevan uses only single use disposable equipment for collecting donor blood.
Why is only a component of the blood used and not the whole blood?
Blood transfusion has been made safer by transfusing only the needed component of the blood to the patients (viz.) RBCs for those who are anaemic and those undergoing surgery, Platelets for those children and adults whose platelet count is low due to disease or medication they received, Plasma for those with burn injuries or bleeding problems. Cryoprecipitate is required on a continuous basis for the management of Hemophilia. This approach also helps in optimal use of available blood.
What is the shelf life of various components?
- RBCs can be stored up to 42 days at 2 – 6 Deg C.
- Platelets for 5 days at 20 – 24 Deg. C with constant agitation.
- Fresh Frozen Plasma and Cryo precipitate for one year at less than – 30 Deg.C.
How is blood safety ensured?
Blood transfusion can never be 100% safe. The safety standards have been increasing over the last two decades and will continue to do so. Jeevan ensures blood safety by judicious donor selection and by stringent screening of the donor blood for diseases known to be transmitted at that point of time.
Jeevan tests each blood donation (not the donor prior to donation) for Hepatitis B (HBsAg and Anti HBc – Total), Hepatitis C (Antigen & Antibody), HIV (Antigen & Antibody), RPR for Syphilis and Malaria. Also, every blood donation is typed and screened for Red Cell Antibodies by automated techniques.
How often can one donate blood?
A healthy individual (male or female) can donate blood once in 90 days subject to acceptable level (= or > 12.5 gms/dl) of pre-donation Haemoglobin concentration. Jeevan recommends blood donation twice a year.
Are there situations when a full panel cross-match is not performed?
In the event of emergencies and if the consultant requests for blood components without full panel cross match, the same is issued with only ABOD compatibility testing, after obtaining a written request from the consultant.
Are the blood components available any time of the day?
Jeevan Blood Bank works from 7 am to 7 pm on all days.
Does one have to pay for the unit received?
Even though the blood is donated by voluntary blood donors, the cost of collection, screening, processing and storage has to be borne by the recipients. Jeevan is a not for profit organization and is dependent on this cost recovery for its existence. The recovered processing fee are as recommended by the Government of India according to the processes followed. Listen more on this (link to audio by Srinivasan)
How else can I help?
Apart from being a blood donor, you could help us in various ways:
By requesting your friends to donate blood and by organizing a blood donation camp at your workplace. You can also help us by sponsoring free units:
If you would like to make blood free click here
This contribution is eligible for tax deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
