Friday, March 26, 2004

To be a blood donor, it is not enough that you want to donate your blood. There are many requirements to qualify before you can donate your blood to Blood Bank:

1. Male or Female
2. Between 21 and 60 years of age. Donors aged between 18 and 20 need a written consent by their parents.
3. At least have 8 hours of rest before blood donation and 6 hours rest (after blood is donated) before you can work again.
4. Not drunk, nor allowed to drink any alcoholic beverages within 24 hours of blood letting.
5. People without tattoo.
6. Not allowed are patients who are under medication of the following: Diabetes, TB, High Blood, Liver, Kidney, Heart Problems, or who are taking antibiotics for colds, cough and treatment of influenza.
7. Not a drug user/addict.

People who have the following are not allowed to donate blood:

• With hepatitis, malaria, syphilis, tuberculosis
• Upper respiratory tract infections like cold, cough or lung infection, breathing difficulty, fever or asthma.
• Skin problems, i.e. eczema, dermatitis, cyst
• Had dental surgery recently or newly extracted tooth.
• Abnormal bleeding in any parts of the body.
• Having an affair with lesbians or gays.

It is advisable that healthy men donate blood every six months. If you are a Filipino, Blood Bank will issue a card to you whenever you donate blood, which you can use this card in case, you, or any member of your family will need it someday... your blood can save a life!