By Chun Hsia Fan Lately the idea of donating blood has become more and more common and it’s easy to find little booths set up for people to do so. So why should you donate blood? Answer: To save someone’s life. Similar to organs, blood is something science cannot reproduce and keep in an unlimited supply. Every day accidents and disasters happen and blood transfusions needed. You know when your blood may save someone else’s life or when someone else’s blood will save yours. Wondering where you can do this act of charity? There’s a bloodmobile across the street from McDonalds on Xinsheng South Rd. The bloodmobile is there every day and if you have any doubts the staff there is always happy to help. If you want to donate blood somewhere else or find another place to do so information is always available on the internet, or from pamphlets you can get from the bloodmobile. Various blood donating groups have also been offering special gifts and souvenirs for those who donate on a regular basis. However, blood donation isn’t for everyone. Read on to find out more about donating! Different types of Blood Donation: Small Fact: Blood is made of three components; red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. - Whole Blood: This is the most common type of donation where the whole blood is drawn out. - Platelet Donation: Only the platelets are extracted and everything else is returned to the donor. - Double Red Blood cells: This type of donation only takes the red blood cells. - Autologous Donation: In this case, the blood you ‘donate’ is really saved for your own use in the future. The blood isn’t for anyone else. Basic Procedure: 1. First you need to fill out a form that asks for your basic information, and then you will be interviewed by one of the helpers. 2. A staff will clean an area on your arm and insert the needle for the withdrawal of blood. The blood will start filling in a little bag next to you—the process takes about 10-15 minutes. 3. When the bag has filled the staff will ask how you are feeling and you will be asked to rest a bit before moving. Usually you will be given a small token or souvenir of some sort and some refreshment for the blood you lost.
4. If you want to donate blood again, you should: Wait at least 8 weeks between whole blood donations. Wait at least 3 days between platelet donations. Wait at least 16 weeks between double red cell donations *The blood donation process may vary from place to place. The above is just a general idea. Are you eligible to donate blood? Check the following! You CANNOT donate blood if: - You have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS - You are not yet 17 - You have had Hepatitis (viral) - You weigh less than 110 pounds. - You have been lived in England from 1980 to 1996 for over 3 months or have accepted a blood transfusion there from 1980 to present. - For more in-depth requirements and whatnot, check http://www.redcross.org/ *The exact requirements may vary from country to country and there are quite a bit of activities that might require you to wait, anytime from one day to one year. **If you are not feeling well, you should not donate blood regardless of how healthy you are. Wait for a day when you feel fine and then go. Feeling motivated to give some of your precious blood to others now? Fit all the requirements? Make sure that you have plenty of rest in the three days preceding your donation, eat a good meal, and you are good to go. For more information visit the following: http://www.blood.org.tw/ (02)2351-1600 http://www.redcross.org/ http://www.givelife2.org/ a
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May 2024
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