FAQ

There are many doubts surrounding the donation and receiving of blood. Many people do not donate blood because they are scared that it will harm them in some way, or because they are not sure of what it involves.

This FAQ may allay some doubts. Please CONTACT US with any further questions that you may have. You may also see the presentatition version of this FAQ HERE.

Why do you promote voluntary blood donation?

Voluntary blood donation is promoted since you, the voluntary blood donor form the back-bone of the blood banks, which in turn are the foundation of a safe, adequate and sustainable National blood transfusion system. This is the system that assures that when somebody falls ill, somebody meets with an accident or when a child is to be born, rich or poor, black or white, the red fluid called blood is available to save them.

Also, research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that family, replacement and paid blood donors are associated with a significantly higher prevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections since their blood often passes through to the receiver without much checks.

Many Blood banks, including ours, with the strength of a regular & voluntary blood donor base ensure that the collection, testing, storage and the final issue to the needy happens smoothly.

Is it safe to donate blood?
Donating blood is very safe and simple. We use only totally sterile disposable blood bags and needles.

How long will it take to replenish the blood I have given?
Blood volume or plasma is replaced within 24 hours. Red cells need about 21 days for complete replacement.

Who is eligible to donate blood?
In India, you can start donating blood at the age of 18 and up to the age of 60 if you weigh at least 45 kg and be in good health.

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Can I donate blood during menstruation?
No, you cannot donate during menstruation.

How often can I donate blood?
Whole blood donors can give blood once every 90 days. Apheresis platelet donors can donate more frequently - as much as twice in one week and upto 24 times a year (Apheresis platelet donation takes only blood components and not whole blood and hence is allowed more often).

How much blood is collected per donation?
Only 350 ml for whole blood if you weigh 45 kg to 50 kg (or) 450ml of blood if you weigh more then 50 kg. This works to just 8-9 ml per Kg while a male has about 26 ml of reserve blood per kg in the body while a female has about 16 ml of reserve per kg.

Who gets the blood that I donate?
Patients in and around Bangalore benefit from your donation. They include: premature babies, pregnant mothers, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, accident victims, people undergoing various surgeries or transplants, and many others. 40% of the Blood that is collected by the Rotary TTK Blood bank is given to Government Hospitals and free to poor patients.Free transfusion for the Thalasemia patients who need regular monthly blood transfusion throughout life.

What should I do before donating?
We want your donation experience to be pleasant. Please remember :
* Eat a well-balanced food before you donate.
* Tell us the name and dosage of any medications you are taking. Medications will not keep you from donating, but the reason for taking them might.

What should I bring with me?
When you come to donate blood, bring the list of medications that you are currently taking.

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What happens during blood donation?
* You will complete a donor registration form that includes your name, address and a few other details.
* You will be asked a few questions about your health.
* You will go through a simple medical checkup including blood pressure, and pulse.
* A drop of blood will be obtained from your finger tip to test for Hemoglobin% and your group.
* You will proceed to a donor bed where your arm will be cleaned with antiseptic.
* During the donation process, you will donate 350 ml or 450ml depending on your weight.
* After the process is over, you will rest for about 5 minutes.
* Following your donation, you will be given refreshment.
* Please, remember to take your donor card.

How long does it take to give blood?
The donation process includes registration, medical screening, the blood collection, and time for refreshments. For whole blood, the the actual blood collection takes 5 to 7 minutes. For apheresis (platelet) collections, the entire process takes two hours.

Will I have any problems after donating blood and do I need to take any special care?
No, you will generally not have any problem after donating. However, if you feel light-headed or dizzy even after 5 mts of rest and having refreshments, lie down with your legs raised until the feeling passes. If some bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the site and keep your arm raised for three to five minutes. Our doctor is available to see that you leave the camp perfectly fine.

Please observe the following suggestions post-donation:

*Increase your fluid intake for the next 24 hours.
*Do not smoke or chew tobacco for 30 minutes.
*Avoid strenuous physical exertion, heavy lifting or pulling with the donation arm for at least 24 hrs.
*However, do not hesitate to contact the blood bank if you have any problems or questions.

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How soon after donating can I practice sports?
Sports can be resumed the day after the donation.

What are blood components?
Blood has the following components and each one takes care of specific needs.

* Red blood cells, Plasma and platelets.
* Red blood cells - are administered to replenish blood loss- usually used by trauma and surgery patients.
* Fresh frozen plasma - the liquid part of the blood, is administered to patients with liver problems, burn cases etc.
* Platelets - helps in clotting when cuts or other open wounds occur. Leukemia and transplant patients, often need platelet transfusions.

How long can the blood be stored at blood bank?
Whole blood can be stored for 35 days. The various blood components can be stored as under.
* Platelet Concentrate - 5 days
* Platelet Apherises - 5 days
* Platelet Rich Plasma - 5 days
* Packed Cells - 35 days
* Fresh Frozen Plasma - 1 year
* Cryo Anti Hemophilic Factor - 1 year
* Cryo Poor Plasma - 5 Years

What are laboratory tests performed on the collected blood?
* Hepatitis B & C
* Malarial parasite
* HIV I & II (AIDS)
* Venereal disease (Syphilis)
* Blood Group
* Before issuing blood, compatibility tests (cross matching) is done.

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Do you charge for issuing blood? All blood received by you is through voluntary donation. Right?
We don't. The blood itself is free. A processing fee as prescribed by the Government is charged by the blood center to the patient to cover the cost of collecting, blood typing, testing, storing and distributing the blood. Yes. Voluntary blood donation is only only source of blood.

What is Aphaeresis?
Aphaeresis is a procedure during which the blood goes to the aphaeresis machine, which removes the selected blood components/cells. The rest of the blood is returned back to the donor. This procedure usually takes one to two hours. It is a a safe procedure for the donor and gives more benefit to the patient who is transfused only the required specific blood component.

What information is asked for in the form to be filled before donation?
Some basic information about your present health / history of any illness etc is asked for in the form that you fill before donation. This is to ensure that you are not asked to donate blood when you are not well enough to do so and that most of the collected blood is safe. Our testing procedures later assure that we pass on only safe blood to the recipients.

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What is temporary deferral and what is permanent deferral?
Certain times a person cannot donate blood for his own reasons or to avoid any complications to the patients.
Some of the temporary deferral critiria are listed below:

Not feeling well due to fever, feverish feeling, severe cold, body ache,tiredness etc..
Did not sleep well the previous night
Fasting on the camp day
If on medication (antibiotics: 1 week after stopping), Aspirin, Paracetamol, Brufen, etc - 1 day) Under any other medication, kindly contact the doctor at the campsite.

Some of the permanent deferral critiria are listed below:

Abnormal bleeding disorder (deficiency Of clotting factors in donors)
Any medical illeness of heart, kidney, liver & thyroid (Which might effect
the donor. Epilepsy (fitts) Mental disorder, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Asthma, Cancer, Insulin dependent diabets and Uncontroller hyper tension, and any time tested positive for HIV 1 & 2,HEPATITIS B or C

Can women also donate as much as men do?
Yes. But for women, the Heaomoglobin count is a significant factor. Often, we see that many women have HB less than 12.0. In such cases, they cannot donate. This is a major reason for lower prevelance of blood donation among women.

What is the universal blood type?
Only 'O' Negative redcells can be given to all other blood groups. It is not available most of the times. Hence, universal donation is not practiced very frequently. Moreover, other specific blood groups are mostly available for transfusion. O positive red cells can be given to other Rh positive groups.

What should I do if I ever need blood?
Reach us by any of the means mentioned here ...

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