Blood is the red fluid that circulates in our blood vessels, i.e.veins and arteries. The main function of blood is to act as the body’s transport system, but it also has a major role in the body’s defense against infection. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be made or manufactured. Donors are the only source of blood for patients who need it.

WHAT IS BLOOD?

You don’t need a special reason to give blood.

You just need your own reason.

Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend.

Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day.

Some believe it is the right thing we do.

Whatever your reason, the need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you've helped change a life.

To ensure the safety of blood donation for both donors and recipients, all volunteer blood donors must be evaluated to determine their eligibility to give blood. The final determination will be made on the day of the donation at the blood drive or blood donation center. If you were deferred from donating in the past, you may be able to donate again.

ELIGIBILITIES REQUIED FOR BLOOD DONATION

Before Your DonationMaintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins.

Get a good night's sleep.

Drink an extra 16 oz. of water or nonalcoholic fluids before the donation.

Eat a healthy meal before your donation. Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries or ice cream before donating. (Fatty foods can affect the tests we do on your blood. If there is too much fat in your blood, your donation cannot be tested for infectious diseases and the blood will not be used for transfusion.)

During Your DonationWear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.

Let the person taking your blood know if you have a preferred arm and show them any good veins that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood.

Relax, listen to music, talk to other donors or read during the donation process.

Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating.

After Your Donation

Drink an extra four (8 ounce) glasses of liquids and avoid

alcohol over the next 24 hours.

Remove the wrap bandage (if you had one put

on your arm) within the next hour.

Keep the strip bandage on for the next several hours.

To avoid a skin rash, clean the area around the strip

bandage with soap and water.

Do not do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for

the rest of the day.

If the needle site starts to bleed, apply pressure to it and raise your arm straight up for about 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops.

If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness after donation, stop what you are doing and sit down or lie down until you feel better. Avoid performing any activity where fainting may lead to injury for at least 24 hours.

Call us at 1-866-236-3276 to report any additional health information that you forgot to tell us, if you have any problems or if you needed medical care after giving blood.

Learn more about your need for iron after blood donation at

Donating BloodWhy Donate Blood?

Eligibility Requirements

Donation Process

Tips for a Successful Donation

Donation FAQs

Types of Donations

First Time Donors

Blood Donor Community

A dorp of blood

Blood Donors are usually rested at the blood doantion site for at least 15-20 minutes. They are encouraged to lie down. Any complication that may develop from donating blood takes place during the donation or immediately afterwards. The rest period may help to monitor this.

After 15 minutes of rest, Blood donation centers usually provide light refreshments such as tea, coffee, milk or fruit juice and biscuits to refresh the donor. The site of needle puncture is covered with a bandage and the donor is recommended to keep it that way for a while.

Read more: Blood Donation - Donor Recovery http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/blooddonation-recovery.htm#ixzz3Il6Vy1Ie

Red Blood cells

And Detailes

White blood cells and detailes

Plasma and it's components