Donating blood is giving a very special gift. So special that, for security reasons, there are some requirements that are mandatory. Now get to know them:
Age between 18 and 65 years
Weight equal to or greater than 50kg
Have healthy lifestyle habits
Not fasting or at lunchtime
Not having received a blood transfusion since 1990
Not having chronic or autoimmune diseases
In the previous 12 hours you should reinforce your fluid intake (non-alcoholic).
In the morning, you should have a normal low-fat breakfast.
If you have lunch (meat or fish meal) you can give blood at about 2.30 am after lunch.
For the next 2 hours you should avoid pushing or bending your arm.
You should increase your intake of water / non-alcoholic liquids (juices, teas ...) in the next 12 hours.
You should avoid smoking within 2 hours after the donation.
You should avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Do not stay in poorly ventilated or very hot places.
Do not stand too long.
Avoid intense physical activity in the 12 hours following the donation.
You must bring a photo ID to be able to register in the database.
You will complete a confidential questionnaire, for Blood Donation.
You will be evaluated by a qualified health professional, who will check the informed consent you have filled out, measure your blood pressure and determine your hemoglobin value.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be approved for the donation, and approximately 470 ml of Blood, corresponding to a unit of Whole Blood, will be removed.
At the end, a small meal will be offered, with water reinforcement being essential.
The entire Blood Donation process takes an average of about 30 to 40 minutes.
For more information you can consult the website:
www.ipst.pt or www.dador.pt