Reckon Group

What is blood?

Blood is the red fluid that circulates in our blood vessels, i.e.veins and arteries. The main function of blood is to act as the body’s transport system, but it also has a major role in the body’s defense against infection. There is no substitute for blood. It cannot be made or manufactured. Donors are the only source of blood for patients who need it.

The heart pumps blood around the body through blood vessels. Oxygen-laden arterial blood is carried from the lungs to the rest of the body, and carbon dioxide laden blood (venous blood) is returned to the lungs where the carbon dioxide is exhaled. Carbon dioxide is a waste product produced by cells during metabolism.

Main Blood Groups :
A, B, AB & O ( A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB- O+, O- )

Why should we donate blood?

When you donate blood, you are ensuring that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. You may give a newborn, a child, a mother or a father, a brother or a sister, a wife or a husband another chance at life.

Who can Donate Blood?

You should be between 18 - 55 years of age with a weight of 50 kg or above. Your pulse rate, body temperature and blood pressure should be normal. Both men and women can donate. At the time of donation, you should not be suffering from fever or have consumed alcohol 48 hours before or smoked during that day.

You cannot donate blood if you suffer from epilepsy, psychotic disorders, abnormal bleeding tendencies, severe asthma, cardiovascular disorders and malignancy.

Women donors who are pregnant or lactating should not donate blood as their iron reserves are already on the lower side.

If you are suffering from disease like jaundice, malaria, measles, mumps, and syphilis you may donate blood after full recovery with a gap of three to six months.

People who have undergone surgery and / or blood transfusion may safely donate blood after six to twelve months.

Facts about blood

• Someone needs blood every two seconds.
• About 1 in 5 people entering a hospital need blood.
• THREE lives saved by only 350ml of blood.
• Blood fights infection and helps heal wounds.
• Giving blood will not decrease your strength.
• The actual blood donation usually takes less than 10 minutes. The entire process - from the time you sign in to the time you leave - takes about an hour.

After the blood donation

• You must continue to drink fluids and have a good meal.
• You can resume your normal activities after donating blood.
• Do not exercise or lift heavy weight for twelve hours after donation.
• Donating blood will not leave you low of blood
• Do not consume alcohol till the next day.
• While donating blood you will not feel any pain.
• You will not feel weak or uncomfortable after donating blood.

Does Reckon Blood Donor Directory pay donors for giving blood?

Reckon Blood Donor Directory is a volunteer donor supported information centre. We do not pay for blood donations. Studies show that volunteer donors provide a safer blood supply as they are not doing it for money.

How long does it take to give blood ?

The whole process of blood donation usually takes about one hour. The blood collection itself is usually about 10 minutes. The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments.

How much blood is taken ?

About 350ml.

How often can I give ?

You can donate whole blood every 56 to 60 days.