Celebrating National Blood Donors Month in the Philippines

National Blood Donor Month is observed in July under Presidential Proclamation No. 1021.

Blood donation is a voluntary procedure that can help save lives. It is the drawing of your blood so that it can be given to someone who needs a blood transfusion.

Millions of people need blood transfusions yearly, with others needing blood during surgery. Others depend on it after an accident or because they have a disease requiring certain blood parts.

Risks

Blood donation is safe. New, sterile disposable equipment is used for each donor, so there’s no risk of getting a bloodborne infection by donating blood. Most healthy adults can safely donate a pint (about half a liter) without health risks.

Your body replaces the lost fluids within a few days of a blood donation. And after two weeks, your body replaces the lost red blood cells.

How often can a person donate?

A healthy individual may donate every three months.

Can a person who has a tattoo or body piercing still donate blood?

If the tattooing procedure or the piercing was done a year ago, he or she may donate. This is also applicable to acupuncture and other procedures involving needles.

How long will it take to donate blood?

The whole process of blood donation, from registration up to recovery, will only take an average of 30 minutes.

The blood extraction will take about 5-10 minutes. The blood volume will start replenishing within 24 hours. Theoretically, by the end of the month, the body will have the blood status before the blood donation.

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References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-donation/about/pac-20385144 https://redcross.org.ph/give-blood/

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