FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DONATING BLOOD

How much blood does Cagayan de Oro/ Misamis Oriental need?

World Health Organization (WHO) projects that 2% of the population would need blood. This would mean that in 1999, 22,000 bags for Misamis Oriental or 10,000 bags for Cagayan de Oro. Thus, per day we need around 80 bags or we need 80 donors per day so that nobody would die because of blood loss.

Why are paid donations being banned?

One of the provisions in Republic Act 7719 or the National Blood Services Act of 1994 was the closure of commercial blood banks - the source of commercial blood. International studies revealed that blood donors who are paid would not disclose an honest medical history. They may be in the "window period" of the disease wherein they may look well and be negative on disease screening but infectious.

Why should the community give blood?

Despite the advances of science, still there is no substitute for blood. Giving blood is a life-saving act. It is one way of showing that you really are a true christian or a follower of Islam. Aside from being a humanitarian act, it has a number of advantages"

A normal human being has about 16-18 glasses of blood in the body. Every 3 months, this blood is discarded by the body. If this is the case, why not share a portion of it or about a glass or a glass and a half (about 400-450 cc). This is even less than volume of blood lost during pregnancy when the placenta separates from the uterus. Further, loosing blood stimulates your bone marrow (BLOOD FACTORY SITE) to produce new blood cells. This is likened to a car undergoing "change oil". So in a way donating blood makes your system function efficiently.

Certain articles would tell us that loosing blood is good because it reduces the viscosity. A less viscous fluid would mean easier flow and very good supply of blood to vital systems (e.g. brain). Thus, the article would say that if you would like to improve your memory…loose blood (donate)

Who can donate blood?

Most health persons who are between the ages 16-65 years, weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated for the past 12 weeks. You may not donate if ever you used needle to take drugs, if you had hepatitis after the age of 11 or if you have AIDS or a positive for HIV. You cannot get AIDS or any disease by donating blood. If it is your first time, WHO recommends that you must eat something before donating.

What happens when I donate?

You will be registered. Your weight, blood type, hemoglobin level will be checked. You will be asked to answer truthfully a battery of questions. Then the blood pressure and pulse will be checked. If found healthy, you can donate about 400-450 cc (about 5-10 minutes). Refreshment will be served. Thus, if you are allowed to donate blood then you are healthy.

Does it hurt?

No more than a slight pinch after all who likes needles. But the good you do is measurable in the lives you will save. You should feel fine after you donate.

How much blood can I give?

Just about 1 - 1 1/2 glass. Not much when you have 16-18 glasses in your body. In 24 hour your blood volume will be back to normal. Some generous people have given gallons of blood over their lifetime.

Where can I donate?

At your work/job site; school, church, almost anywhere there is a blood drive; as well as your blood center.

How long will it take to donate?

There are 8760 hours in a year. The entire process will take about 30 minutes. The actual blood collection is about 5-10 minutes. Thus we are not asking too much of you. We are only asking for about 2 hours of your time per year or 4 times a year.

How long will I recover the volume of blood that I gave?

It would take about 24 hours for recovery of blood volume but you will not feel anything. By the moment you stand up from the bed, your body starts to recover the donated blood. You just have to increase fluid intake for the next few hours.

Can I get any infections/disease while donating blood?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! All materials used during the donation are sterile and used only once. You cannot get AIDS or any other diseases by donating blood.

Can I donate for myself or ask others to donate for me?

Yes, if you are planning elective surgery and are healthy enough to donate blood, you may be able to donate