The day is celebrated to
- Raise awareness regarding blood donation.
- Increase the number of unpaid blood donations. Raise health awareness.
- Support National donor organizations and NGOs to strengthen their local campaigns. Most importantly, thanking blood donors.
World’s share in blood donation
The greater share of blood donations mostly happens in high-income countries than in middle-income and low-income countries. WHO data reveal that– “Based on samples of 1000 people, the blood donation rate is 31.5 donations in high-income countries, 16.4 donations in upper-middle-income countries, 6.6 donations in lower-middle-income countries, and 5.0 donations in low-income countries”. The interesting thing to observe is that low/ middle income countries have more demand for blood and blood products. So, the motive for celebrating this day is to increase the voluntary unpaid members; majorly in low and middle-income countries.
There are 3 types of blood donors:
- Voluntary unpaid.
- Family/replacement.
- Paid.
Criteria of blood donations
All genders can donate blood every three months ensuring that they are in good health and healthy state of mind. The criteria for blood donations may vary according to different country’s National policies. But, here are some universally accepted criteria for donor selection;
- Age – 18 and 60 years
- Hemoglobin greater than 12.5 g/Dl
- Pulse no irregularities and in between 50- 100 per min
- Blood Pressure should be Diastolic 50 – 100 mm Hg and systolic 100-180 mm Hg
- No fever, cough, influenza infection, or sore throat
- Weight more than 45 kg
There are other specific criteria as well
- Menstruating women and pregnant/breastfeeding women can’t donate blood
- Not had any tattoos or skin piercings in the past 6 months
- Not diagnosed with hepatitis or jaundice in the past 6 months
- Taken alcoholic beverages in the last 24 hours
- Not suffering from lifestyle disorders like diabetes, BP, heart disease, or any major illness like HIV/AIDS, cancer, TB, kidney stones, and many other diseases
- Didn’t take any antibiotics or any other medications (Allopathic, homeopathic, or ayurvedic) for the past 48 hours
