Education on Blood donation.
🧬 What Happens After You Donate Blood?
Your body starts replacing the lost blood almost immediately. Plasma is replaced within 24
hours, red blood cells within 3–4 weeks, and complete iron levels are restored within 8
weeks.
🩸 How Often Can You Donate?
In most countries, you can donate whole blood every 3 months (12 weeks) if
you're healthy. This gives your body enough time to fully replenish your red blood cells and
iron levels.
🩸 Blood Cell Types & Their Lifespan
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Carry oxygen. Lifespan ~120 days.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): Defend against infection. Live from days to
years depending on type.
- Platelets: Help with blood clotting. Lifespan ~7–10 days.
- Plasma: The liquid part. Replenishes in ~24 hours.
✅ Who Can Donate Blood?
- Age: 18–60 years (some countries allow up to 65)
- Weight: Minimum 50 kg
- Hemoglobin: At least 12.5 g/dL
- Must be healthy, with no cold, fever, or infection
- Should not be on antibiotics or certain medications
- No alcohol 24 hours before donation
- No major surgery within last 6 months
Myths Busted
❌ Blood donation makes you weak.
✅ Your body replaces the lost blood quickly.
❌ Thin people shouldn't donate.
✅ As long as you meet the weight requirement, you're eligible.
❌ Women shouldn't donate blood.
✅ Women can donate just like men.
❌ It hurts a lot.
✅ It's a small prick and completely tolerable.
❌ You can catch diseases like HIV.
✅ All needles are sterile and used once.
❌ Older people can't donate.
✅ Healthy older people can donate.
❌ You need a long rest after donating.
✅ You can go about your day shortly after.
❌ One donation doesn't matter.
✅ One donation can save up to 3 lives.
❌ You must eat a heavy meal.
✅ Eat light and healthy before donation.
❌ If I donate once, they’ll force me again.
✅ Donation is always your choice.
