JOLIFE LOVES LIFE!
WHO DONATES BLOOD… DONATES LIFE.
Blood cannot be produced in a laboratory, and the annual demand in Italy exceeds 2,400,000 units of whole blood and more than 800,000 liters of plasma. The impossibility of obtaining it through chemical processes and its widespread use make blood a precious therapeutic resource that is not always available.
Most of us can donate blood, and many may need it at least once in their lives.
Some types of donation:
• Whole blood
• Plasma (plasmapheresis)
• Platelets (plateletpheresis)
• Multiple component donation
For many patients, blood and/or its components are essential therapies for survival. Some examples:
• Red blood cells, in case of blood loss and anemia;
• Platelets, in case of bleeding disorders;
• Plasma, in case of severe burns, liver tumors, or coagulation factor deficiencies;
• Plasma derivatives, such as factor VIII and IX for hemophilia A and B, immunoglobulins and albumin for certain liver and intestinal diseases.
The safety of transfusions and achieving regional and national self-sufficiency of blood, blood components, and derived medications is the goal of the National Health Service and the main commitment of donor associations and federations.
Donation by voluntary, regular, responsible, anonymous, and unpaid donors is the best guarantee for the quality and safety of transfusion therapies.
Requirements
At the time of donation, donors must meet the following legal requirements:
- Age between 18 and 65 years (whole blood donation by regular donors aged 65 to 70 may be allowed after clinical evaluation of major age-related risk factors).
- Weight not less than 50 kg
- Systolic blood pressure less than or equal to 180 mm Hg
- Diastolic blood pressure less than or equal to 100 mm Hg
- Regular heart rate, between 50 and 100 beats per minute
- Hemoglobin: minimum 13.5 g/dL for men, 12.5 g/dL for women; for plasma donation, minimum values drop to 12.5 g/dL for men and 11.5 g/dL for women.
- Good health condition
- Cannot donate if engaging in risky behaviors such as drug use, alcoholism, high-risk sexual activity for infectious diseases, or if infected with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C, or using steroids or anabolic hormones.
Some pathological or behavioral conditions may temporarily or permanently prevent donation as they can be harmful to donor and/or recipient.
There are no categories of people completely excluded from donation, but individual risk behaviors are carefully evaluated during donor selection.
Eligibility evaluation
Conducted at a transfusion service or collection unit, it includes:
• Verification of donor identity and completion of a questionnaire;
• Medical interview and assessment of general health;
• Informed consent for donation.
How to donate
On the day of donation, it is advisable to have a light breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, fruit juices, tea, or lightly sweetened coffee. Avoid high-calorie foods and milk.
Before donation, a medical interview ensures the candidate meets the requirements and determines the most suitable type of donation: whole blood or components.
Further health checks will confirm the donor’s eligibility to donate blood.