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What is blood ?

Life is based on blood. Human blood has no substitute. Requirement of safe blood is increasing and regular voluntary blood donations are vital for blood transfusion services. Blood carries gases, nutrients and waste products through the body. Blood also fights infections, heals wounds and performs many other vital functions. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be made or manufactured. Donors are the only source of blood for patients who need it. Main Blood Groups : A, B, AB & O ( A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB- O+, O- )

Why donate blood ?

Blood is vital to life and for many people blood donors are their lifeline. There is no substitute for human blood; donors are the only source. The most important reason for becoming a regular blood donor is to meet the blood needs of our community. Currently only 1 in 30 people give blood, but 1in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime.

Modern processing techniques mean that a single blood donation, when separated into its components, can help at least 3 different patients and contribute to making up to 22 different products (including potentially life-saving immunisations for chicken pox, hepatitis B and tetanus).

A single donation from you can help one or more patients ! Blood is needed every minute

.	To replace blood lost because of accidents or diseases. .	To treat shock due to injury. .	For major and minor surgeries including open heart surgeries, transplants etc. .	For burn victims. .	For patients suffering from anaemia. .	For exchange transfusion for new born infants. .	For diabetic patients for dialysis. .	To make blood derivatives ( products derived from human blood and plasma ) which are used to treat  medical problems .	For children suffering from Thalassaemia, Haemophilia (bleeding disorders), Leukaemia, Blood Cancer.

Does Bank of Blood.com pay donors for giving blood ?

Bank of Blood.com is a volunteer donor supported information centre. We do not pay for blood donations. Studies show that volunteer donors provide a safer blood supply as they are not doing it for money.

How long does it take to give blood ?

The whole process of blood donation usually takes about one hour. The blood collection itself is usually about 10 minutes. The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments.  How much blood is taken ?

About 350ml.

How often can I give ?

You can donate whole blood every 56 to 60 days.

Facts about blood :

1.	Someone needs blood every two seconds. 2.	About 1 in 5 people entering a hospital need blood. 3.	THREE lives saved by only 350ml of blood. 4.	Blood fights infection and helps heal wounds. 5.	Giving blood will not decrease your strength. 6.	The actual blood donation usually takes less than 10 minutes. The entire process - from the time you sign in to the time you leave - takes about an hour.

Who can donate blood ?

You should be between 18 - 55 years of age with a weight of 50 kg or above. Your pulse rate, body temperature and blood pressure should be normal. Both men and women can donate. At the time of donation, you should not be suffering from fever or have consumed alcohol 48 hours before or smoked during that day.

You cannot donate blood if you suffer from epilepsy, psychotic disorders, abnormal bleeding tendencies, severe asthma, cardiovascular disorders and malignancy. Women donors who are pregnant or lactating should not donate blood as their iron reserves are already on the lower side. If you are suffering from disease like jaundice, malaria, measles, mumps, and syphilis you may donate blood after full recovery with a gap of three to six months. People who have undergone surgery and / or blood transfusion may safely donate blood after six to twelve months. The blood bank doctor screens all donors.

It is advisable to eat something before your donation.

After blood donation

.	You must continue to drink fluids and have a good meal. .	You can resume your normal activities after donating blood. .	Do not exercise or lift heavy weight for twelve hours after donation. .	Donating blood will not leave you low of blood .	Do not consume alcohol till the next day. .	While donating blood you will not feel any pain. .	You will not feel weak or uncomfortable after donating blood.

Your health benefits :

You will receive a mini physical to check your : Pulse, Body temperature, Blood pressure & Hemoglobin, so that you can identify your health problems at the start up stage itself !

Team - http://www.bankofblood.com - http://www.bankofblood.org