|
Whatever you do,
wherever you are , remember that I am with you; that will save you from conceit and error. That will make you Seva worthy of the people you serve. Sai Baba |
|
+ Myths vs. Facts MYTHS vs. FACTS about BLOOD DONATION donate blood | next blood drive | photographs myths vs. facts | Singapore Red Cross
about us
| contact us
| home maintained by
Sathya Sai Central Organisation, Singapore. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED Best viewed with
a 1024x768 resolution with cookies enabled. BLOOD DONATION IN SINGAPORE
Blood donation drives in
Singapore are conducted by the Singapore Red Cross Society under the auspices
of the Health Sciences Authority. Realising that the blood bank faces a
continuous shortage of blood supply, since 1997, the Sathya Sai Central
Organisation has been helping in the recruitment of blood donors and in
providing a venue for mobile blood drives every 3 months. The day is filled
with other activities, like devotional bhajan singing, cultural programmes,
not to forget lunch to make it an enjoyable day out for the family, besides
the immense satisfaction of serving humanity with the precious gift of life,
the gift of blood…
If you are between 16 and 60 years old you can be a
blood donor. WHAT IS
BLOOD?
• Blood is a living tissue. • Blood cannot be manufactured
and it has to come from a human being. • Blood is essential for life. MYTH Donating blood can be painful.
FACT
Not true at all! A localised painkiller is applied on the arm
for a completely painless experience. MYTH I won’t have enough blood to spare after the donation.
FACT The average adult has
4 to 5 litres of blood. At every donation, only 300 to 430 ml of blood
is drawn. This is only 8 % of your total blood volume. This volume will be
replaced in 72 hours. Giving blood will not lower your immunity system.
MYTH I may catch diseases while donating blood.
FACT
The needles used are
new, clean, sterile and are disposed off after each use. These instruments
will not come into contact with any other donors. It would be
impossible for you to contract any diseases from blood donation. MYTH I may put on weight after donating blood.
FACT
No, you will not. Some donors may feel that their body has lost
something and therefore take in more food or tonic than usual. This is
not necessary. In fact you only need to take the iron tablets as
instructed and drink plenty of water. MYTH Donating blood will take up my entire day.
FACT
The complete donation process would not take more than an
hour. Besides the blood bank at HSA, mobile blood collection teams
frequently visit places of work, places of worships, community clubs and
schools. This helps make blood donation more accessible and convenient
for donors. MYTH Many others are already donating blood. How could I be of help?
FACT Currently, there are only 45,000 blood donors in Singapore, which is only 1% of the population!!! The need for blood and blood products is always increasing, especially so with a growing and aging population. This is why we need your support. Become a regular Blood Donor! OTHER
QUESTIONS
Am I healthy enough to
donate blood? All
potential donors will receive a 'mini-physical examination'. Doctors
and nurses will be present to review your medical history and check vital
signs like pulse and blood pressure to ensure that you are fit to donate
blood. How many times can I
donate in a year? Many donors donate blood 4 times a year. The
intervals between blood donations should at least be 12 weeks. WHO CAN DONATE BLOOD
A typical blood donor
should: • be 16 to 60 years old (parental / guardian consent
is needed for 16 & 17 year old donors). • weigh at least 45 kg. • be generally healthy. • be feeling well that day
with no coughs, colds or flu, not taken any form of medicine or drugs for the
past three days. Occasionally, potential
blood donors may be temporarily deferred due to the following: Travel to
Malaria endemic areas such as rural Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia,
Philippines, India, etc. 6 weeks after return Tattoo, ear
piercing (except if performed by a licensed agent with disposable needles)
and acupuncture 12 months after activity Pregnancy 6 weeks following delivery
and if she is not breastfeeding Major surgery At least 6 - 12 months
after surgery Chicken-pox,
dengue fever 6 months after recovery Vaccinations such
as: Hepatitis B &
Tetanus toxoid > 2 days Typhoid > 1 week Rubella (German
Measles), yellow fever, measles, mumps, oral polio > 4 weeks Other animal serum
products e.g. Rabbies by per immnoglobulin At Least 1 year Medication such as: painkillers – panadol > 1 day painkillers - aspirin,
ponstan, synflex > 3 days Chloroquine,
antibiotics or panadol for infection > 1 week Maloprim or Fansidar, Mefloquine,
anti-malarial medication > 4 weeks
Travel to Europe, with effect from 1st JULY
2002 You will be ineligible to donate blood indefinitely if you
fall into EITHER one of the following 3 groups: 1. You have visited or lived in the United Kingdom
(England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, or the Channel
Island) from 1980 through 1996 for a cumulative period of 3 months
or more. 2. You have received a transfusion of blood or blood components
in the United Kingdom (England, Northern
Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Island) between 1980 till now. 3. You have visited or lived in France from 1980 till
now for a cumulative period of 5 years or more. You can donate plasma only through aphaeresis method if
you have stayed in Europe (besides United Kingdom and France) for a
cumulative period of more than 5 years. The following
persons should NOT donate blood: • Persons with positive HIV
test results or those with AIDS • Persons who have had
multiple sex partners • Persons who have engaged
in casual sex • Men who have had sex with
other men • Persons who have injected
themselves with drugs • Sex workers • Persons with symptoms
suggestive of AIDS e.g. weight loss, swollen glands in the neck,
armpits or groins, persistent diarrhoea or rare cancers • Anyone who has had sex
with anyone in these groups For latest updates and
more information on STDs and eligibility, click here.
THE BLOOD DONATION PROCESS
Step 1: Registration
You need to bring along your NRIC or blood donation card. Non-Singaporeans need to bring along their passports, work permit or blood donation card. Your personal particulars will be recorded and you will be required to complete the Donor Health Assessment Questionnaire and Blood Donation Declaration form. Step 2: Medical Screening
A doctor will ask you some
questions on your medical history. This is to determine if you are fit to
donate blood. Then, your weight, blood pressure and pulse will be checked. Step 3: Blood Test A finger prick will be done to check your haemoglobin level. This is to ensure that you are able to give blood. Step 4: The
Donation The medical staff will prepare you for the blood donation. After your arm has been cleansed, a localised painkiller will be given to ensure a pain free procedure during the blood donation. About 300 to 430 ml of blood (depending on your weight) will be drawn. Step 5: Rest and
Refreshment After the donation, you will be required to rest for 10 minutes. Light refreshment will be served. Please ensure that you drink enough fluids on that day. HEALTH ADVICE
How will I feel after
donating blood? The majority of people feel fine, especially donors who
have eaten a regular meal before donating. When you are done, drink lots of liquids
within the next 24 hours. The following words of
caution should ensure you have an uneventful post donation experience.
Content Courtesy of Red Cross Singapore | National Blood Service, UK | National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
|