Frequently asked questions

Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but it can make a big difference in the lives of others. From the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8 to 10 minutes on average.

Registration. You complete donor registration, which includes your name, address, phone number and donor identification number if you have one. You will be asked to show a donor card, driving licence or two other forms of ID.

Health history and mini physical. You answer some questions in a private and confidential interview about your health history and the places you have travelled. Your temperature, haemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse are checked.

Donation. We cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand-new, sterile needle. This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds. You have some time to relax while the bag is filling, about 8 to 10 minutes for a whole blood donation. When approximately a pint has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff member places a bandage on your arm.

Refreshments. You spend a few minutes with refreshments so your body can adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume. After 10 to 15 minutes you can leave and continue with your normal daily activities.

Your gift of blood may help up to three people. Donated red blood cells have a shelf life of up to 42 days.

Take the following precautions:

• Drink an extra four glasses of non-alcoholic liquids.
• Keep your bandage on and dry for the next five hours, and avoid heavy exercise or lifting.
• If the needle site starts to bleed, raise your arm straight up and press on the site until the bleeding stops.
• Because you could experience dizziness or loss of strength, use caution with anything that could put you or others at risk. For any hazardous occupation or hobby, follow the applicable safety recommendations about returning to those activities after donating.
• Eat healthy meals and consider adding iron-rich foods to your diet, or discuss an iron supplement with your health care provider, to replace the iron lost with donation.

If you get a bruise: apply ice to the area intermittently for 10 to 15 minutes during the first 24 hours. After that, apply warm, moist heat intermittently for 10 to 15 minutes. A range of colours may appear for about 10 days.

If you feel dizzy or lightheaded: stop what you are doing, lie down, and raise your feet until the feeling passes and you feel well enough to resume activities safely.

Only for a moment. Pinch the fleshy, soft underside of your arm, that pinch is similar to what you will feel when the needle is inserted.

The entire process takes about an hour. The actual donation of a pint of whole blood takes eight to ten minutes. The time varies slightly from person to person depending on several factors, including health history and attendance at the camp.

The plasma from your donation is replaced within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That is why a minimum interval is required between whole blood donations.

Aarohi’s highest priorities are the safety of the blood supply and the safety of our blood donors. Some individuals may be at risk of transferring a communicable disease through blood donation because of travel or other activities, or may encounter problems with donation because of their own health. We ask these questions to ensure that it is safe for a patient to receive your blood, and that it is safe for you to donate that day.

A donor should wait at least three months between two whole blood donations. How often you can donate also depends on your health status and your haemoglobin and iron levels, which we check before every donation.

Donors should be between 18 and 65 years of age, weigh at least 45 kg, and have haemoglobin above 12.5 grams. The donor must feel well, be active, and be able to carry out normal activities without any problem. Additional eligibility criteria apply and are checked at the centre.

Contact Aarohi Blood Center, Hyderabad.
Telephone: 040 23384212 or +91 8106999686
Email: info@aarohibloodcenter.org