Thinking About Donating Blood? Here’s What You Need To Know

Everyone of us has different blood types too: Type A, B, AB, and O.

Blood drives are organized to collect blood that will help people of all ages: burn victims, those that undergo surgery, cancer patients¹. The amount of blood collected from the blood donor depends on their weight. The volume of blood that is usually donated is 450mL, which is less than 1 pint of blood (568mL).

Matching Blood Types²

The donor and recipient must be compatible. O blood are universal donors, whereas AB blood are universal recipients. Refer to the table below to see their compatibility.

Image 1: Blood Type Compatibility Chart

Tips On What To Do Before, During And After a Blood Donation³

     Before: 

• Eat healthy. Avoid greasy and oily food.
• Take iron-rich foods: red meat, poultry, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified cereals, and dried raisins.
• Stay hydrated, drink at least 8 glasses a day.
  

  During: 

• Drink an extra glass of water or non-alcoholic drink before your appointment.
• Wear a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up above your elbows easily.
• Bring your donor card and identification card.
• Inform your prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, underlying medical condition to the medical attendant.
  

  After: 

• Continue to stay hydrated. Drink an extra four glasses of liquid.
• Avoid any alcoholic drinks for the next 24 hours.
• Keep the strip bandage on for the next several hours.
• Don’t do any heavy lifting, vigorous exercise for the day.
• Have plenty of rest.
• Continue eating iron-rich foods.
• If the needle site starts to bleed, apply pressure and raise up your arm for 5-10 minutes or until bleeding stops. Seek medical attention immediately if the bleeding does not stop.
• Take multivitamins and iron supplements if you donate frequently.

Who Are Suitable And Not Suitable For Blood Donation⁴

In case of any medical emergency like blood loss from a car accident, it’s important to carry your medical card or donor’s card with you at all times so that immediate treatment can be initiated.

Importance Of a Medical Card 

Image 2: An Example of a Blood Donor Card

Every drop counts. If you are interested in becoming a blood donor, you can register at the Malaysia Blood Bank website or call them at +03-26132657.