Hello Readers, Welcome to the last blog on “BLOOD DONATION”.

FACT:  ONE PERSON'S BLOOD CAN SAVE UPTO THREE LIVES.

 HOW???

Each unit of blood contains four elements- platelets, plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells. So, all these elements can be separated and can be used in three different persons from only one person's blood thus can save THREE LIVES. 

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BLOOD AFTER DONATION?

• After donation , a small amount of blood is transferred to different vials/test tubes and labelled as per the donor's identity. 
• The vials are used for screening tests of the blood before letting it be stored and used for transfusion.
• The screening tests are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV 1 AND 2, Syphilis and others.
• Also the blood is checked for its blood group and sorted.
• After the collected blood passes the quality check, it is transported to store in blood banks/hospitals.
• The blood that has passed the set criteria is allowed for transfusion only.  
• The blood can be separated into its components by centrifugation.
• The Red cells can be stored upto 42 days at 6 degree celsius.
• The platelets can be stored for upto 5 days at room temperature.
• The plasma can be frozen and stored upto 1 year.

NOTE- If in case the donors blood gets discarded due to any infection found, the donor is notified and the information is kept confidential respecting the donor's privacy.

MYTHS FOR BLOOD DONATION

1. Donating blood can make you sick. NO, since only healthy people are eligible to donate.
2. If someone is taking medicines, they cannot donate. NO , it depends on what medications you are taking. Speak to the medical expert at the blood donation site.
3. Giving blood is time consuming. It's NOT. The whole process of blood donation is made very easy and smooth for the donors.
4. You might contract an infection if you give blood. DONT WORRY!, The blood collection is done in a safe and sterile environment with proper precautions taken.
5. You can only give blood once a year. INFACT , YOU CAN DONATE AFTER EVERY 3 MONTHS because your blood takes upto 8 weeks to get replenished.

BENEFITS OF BLOOD DONATION

• Prevents Hemochromatosis(excess absorption of iron in the body).
• Maintains the health of liver and heart.
• Stimulates new blood cell production.
• Lowers the risk of stroke.
• Reduces the chances of cancer.

THANKYOU

I HOPE I WAS ABLE TO ANSWER ALL THE RELEVANT QUESTIONS REGARDING BLOOD DONATION. 

KEEP READING AND SPREADING THE KNOWLEDGE, YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IT CAN BE OF HELP TO!!