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Giving blood is one of the most worthwhile things you can do, yet not enough Aussies are doing it. In Australia there are currently 1 in 3 people who need blood, but only 1 in 30 people are donating. Patients require blood for a range a reasons from cancer to surgery and many more; often these patients need blood regularly. Modern techniques used to process the blood mean a single donation can be used to help 3 different patients, so get donating today!
Who can donate?
Before you book an appointment take the Australian Red Cross Blood Service quiz at donateblood.com.au to find out if you’re right for a blood donation.
In a nutshell, you can donate blood if you are between 16 and 70 years old (some states require 16-17 year olds to provide a parental consent form before donating). Forms can be downloaded from their website.
If you’ve had a cold or other illness within a week of donating, you need to wait for 7 days before you can donate. You must also be over 45 kilograms to ensure the blood loss won’t affect you.
Where to donate?
There are Red Cross donor centres all over Australia. To find your closest centre and to book an appointment you can call them on 13 14 95 or visit the website. You can even book a mobile donor unit to come to your school or workplace, or organise a courtesy bus to take you to and from your appointment. Generally centres are open weekdays from 7.30am to 9.00pm and weekends from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
What happens on the day I give blood?
The actual blood giving process only takes about 5-10 minutes. Before The Blood Service can take your blood, you have to fill out a confidential questionnaire and have an interview with a staff member to make sure you’re healthy and fit for a donation. The staff member will also give you a quick health check to make sure everything’s in order.
If you’re in good shape to make a donation, they’ll then start the blood donation process, which only takes about 5 to 10 minutes for a standard whole blood donation. Once you’re done you’ll get something to eat and drink and shown somewhere you can rest for the recommended 15 minutes before leaving. Altogether, it will take about an hour, so make sure you schedule in enough time.
Common FAQs
How long do I have to wait between donations?
For a whole blood donation, you need to wait 12 weeks before your next donation. If you’re donating plasma or platelets you only need to wait 2 to 3 weeks.
Does giving blood affect your energy?
The Blood Service suggests you should avoid exerting yourself for 12 hours after donating as a precaution, but your energy levels won’t be affected. It only takes 1 to 2 days for your blood volume to be back to normal, but make sure you drink lots of water to help the recovery process.
Will it hurt?
Like with any needle, the thought of having one is a lot worse then actually having one. There’s nothing to worry about, you won’t feel more than a tiny pinprick.
Why can’t everyone give blood?
The blood donor guidelines are there to ensure the safety of both the donor and the person receiving a donation.
I’ve had a body piercing and/or tattoo, can I still give blood?
Depending on where you were pierced, and the equipment used, there are periods of time you must wait before donating. A blood donation can be made as soon as 24 hours after an ear piercing, but just like all body piercings, if you’re not sure the equipment used was sterile or if it had been used before, you need to wait for 6 months. You must wait 6 months after getting any type of tattoo before donating.
Does the Blood Service pay for donations?
No. All blood donations are voluntary, following World Health Organisation and Red Cross policies.
Source: bodyandSoul
