DONATE BLOOD AND SAVE LIVES

More and more people are choosing to donate blood, and blood donation continues to increase in Spain, which is among the leading countries in terms of the number of blood donations recorded.

Blood donation is a voluntary, altruistic and anonymous act that can be carried out at many different locations.

Below, we explain the most frequently asked questions and concerns about blood donation, including requirements, the donation process, where you can donate, how often you can donate, and more.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO DONATE BLOOD?

In addition to being in good health, people who wish to donate blood must be between 18 and 65 years old and weigh more than 50 kg.

Before donating, personal details must be provided, so it is always important to bring your ID card or another official identification document. In some donation centres, donors may also be asked to complete a "Self-Exclusion Form", a document containing information about medical conditions that may or may not allow blood donation.

Finally, once the donation form has been completed, the donor must sign an informed consent form.

WHAT DOES BLOOD DONATION INVOLVE?

Blood donation takes approximately 10 minutes, during which around 450 ml of blood is collected (approximately 10% of an adult person's blood volume).

Before the extraction, a brief interview and a simple medical examination are carried out to check factors such as weight, pulse, blood pressure and haemoglobin levels.

IS BLOOD DONATION SAFE?

Yes, donating blood is completely safe, as the entire process is supervised by healthcare professionals to prevent any risk to the donor. Blood donation is a simple and safe procedure that anyone who meets the requirements can carry out.

There is no risk of contracting infectious diseases during donation, as all medical equipment used is sterile and for single use only.

Some people may feel concerned due to fear of needles or possible dizziness; however, these situations are uncommon and do not usually involve any risks.

TIPS FOR DONATING BLOOD

Before donating, it is important to consider your meals:

• Morning blood donations: It is recommended to have breakfast beforehand.

• Afternoon blood donations: It is recommended to wait at least two hours after lunch and avoid heavy meals.

After donating blood, we recommend following these guidelines:

• Drink plenty of water.

• Do not consume alcoholic beverages.

• Do not smoke for two hours.

• Avoid intense physical exercise.

• Avoid work activities involving risks.

• If you feel dizzy after donating, lie down and raise your legs.

• Keep pressure on the area where the needle was inserted for at least one hour.

WHERE CAN YOU DONATE BLOOD?

There are specialised blood transfusion centres throughout Spain, as well as donation points in hospitals. In addition, mobile units travel to towns, universities, training centres and other locations to make donation more accessible.

Every year, new blood donation campaigns are launched, and information about them can be found through specialised apps from each autonomous community, SMS notifications and other communication channels.

CAN YOU DONATE BLOOD IF YOU TAKE MEDICATION OR HAVE HAD AN ILLNESS?

Depending on the illnesses you have had and other personal circumstances, medical staff will determine during the preliminary health assessment whether you are able to donate blood.

However, there are some common misconceptions that are completely false and do not prevent donation. Some examples include: donating while menstruating, taking contraceptives, vitamin supplements, ibuprofen, aspirin, or similar medications.

HOW OFTEN CAN YOU DONATE BLOOD?

The minimum period required between blood donations is two months. Women can donate up to three times a year, while men can donate up to four times a year.

For plasma-only donations, this period is shorter: donations can be made every 15 days, with a maximum of 24 donations per year.