Every person can do their part in saving lives.
And when it comes to donating blood, this gift can spell the difference between life and death. In fact, one donation (i.e 450 ml or around half a liter) can save up to three lives! In light of this, Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) encourages eligible blood donors to help contribute to the cause. The CSMC Blood Bank accepts blood donations every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on the Ground Floor of the CSMC Main Hospital Building.
How do I donate blood?
Donating blood is an easy and quick process that not only benefits those receiving the blood but also the donors! All you need to do to give another person a better chance at life is to follow these four steps:
- Register to be a donor by writing down your basic information on the forms.
- Review your health history by answering the list of health history questions.
- Donate blood, and take the time to be comfortable. The actual process may take five to ten minutes.
- Have a snack and something to drink after donating to restore your energy.
Who can donate blood?
According to the Department of Health (DOH), a potential blood donor must be 16 to 65 years old, with those aged 16 to 17 requiring parental consent. The donor needs to also at least weigh 50 kg or 110 lbs. In line with this, the blood volume collected may depend on the weight of the donor.
Repeat blood donors need to wait a minimum period of three months or 12 weeks after their last donation to donate again to allow the body to recover.
When can you not donate blood?
Temporary conditions that prevent potential donors from becoming eligible include pregnancy, acute fever, recent alcoholic intake, and surgery. According to the Philippine Red Cross, potential donors who have undergone tattooing, piercing, or acupuncture may also not be able to donate blood until after one year after the procedures have passed.
Permanent conditions that prevent potential donors from becoming eligible include cancer, cardiac disease, severe lung disease, Hepatitis B and C, HIV, AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), high-risk occupations (e.g. prostitution), unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg over 6 months, chronic alcoholism, and other conditions stated in the Guide to Medical Assessment of Blood Donors.
Those diagnosed with anemia cannot become blood donors.
Will donating blood be harmful to the donor?
No, the blood donor may only feel a slight sting for a few seconds at the beginning, but there should be no discomfort felt during the procedure. After a period of 24 to 48 hours, new blood is produced within the body, improving body resistance and circulation. Studies have also shown that blood donors are less likely to get heart attacks and strokes.
Who receives the donated blood?
Your blood donations may be given to several patients, including those who have suffered from or have undergone blood loss, leukemia, hemophilia, complicated childbirth, trauma, and organ transplant, among others.
Have any more questions about blood donations? You may contact Cardinal Santos Medical Center at (02) 8727-0001, local 4015 for further inquiry. Walk-ins are welcome.
