WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT I DONATE BLOOD?
Everyday someone depends on blood for life. Blood maybe needed for surgery, for an accident victim, or to help treat patients with leukemia, cancer, heart and liver diseases, and hemophilia. Your contribution could help save a life here.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO DONATE?
Yes. lf you are 18 years of age ( proof of age may be required)and weigh at least 45 kg. In general, medications in themselves are no cause for deferral. Rather acceptance or deferral is based on the underlying medical conditions. lf you are on any medications, please let us know at the blood drive.

AM I HEALTHY ENOUGH TO DONATE?
You should feel well if you plan to donate. Your health and safety are very important to us. You will be asked to complete a Donor consent form where professional health history will be asked. Your pulse and blood pressure and a drop of blood will be taken from you to test your hemoglobin. All information that you give is kept confidential.

You are eligible to donate blood if
· You are in good health today
· You are between 18 to 60 years of age
· Your weight is above 45 kg
· You had more than 5 hours of sleep
· You are free from any medical problems: e.g. high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, operation < 6 months etc
· You have not taken any antibiotics in the last one week
· You are not pregnant or just delivered
· You have taken breakfast or light lunch before donating blood
· You are not involved in any of the following activities:
o Homosexual relationship
o Bisexual relationship
o Multiple sexual partners
o Having sexual contact with those mentioned above
o Drug abuse
· Interval between your last donation is more than 3 months

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DONATE?
The procedure itself takes between 7 10 minutes. How ever, you should plan to spend at least an hour at the blood drive.

DOES THE NEEDLE HURT?
There is a little sting when the needle is inserted, but there is no pain or stinging after that.

HOW MUCH BLOOD IS TAKEN?
About 450 ml, which is a little less than a pint. Adults usually have 5 litres (10 -12 pints) in their body. Some may only be allowed to donate 300 ml for various reasons.

HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER DONATING?
Most people feel great! Eat breakfast or light lunch before donating, and you should feel fine. Having eaten makes a big difference in how you feel afterwards.

HOW SOON AFTER DONATING CAN I PRACTICE SPORTS?
You are advised to avoid heavy muscular or strenuous activities such as lifting, pushing or picking up heavy objects for 5 hours after giving blood. During plenty of fluids for the next 24 hours.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPLENISH THE BLOOD THAT I HAVE DONATED?
lt takes about 24 hours for your body to replace your blood volume or plasma. You should drink an extra four glasses of non-alcoholic fluids. Your body needs about 4 -B weeks to replace the red cells before you can donate again. You can donate again after 12 weeks.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BLOOD AFTER DONATING?
Your blood is tested for blood type, syphilis, hepatitis viruses, the AlDS viruses (HIV).Then your blood is stored for use.

Your blood can be used either as whole blood to help one patient or after separation into components (red cells, platelets, plasma), to help several patients.

IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT DONATING?
For any inquiries, you can call:
PTi PERUBATAN TRANSFUSI
PUSAT PERUBATAN UNIVERSITI
MALAYA
59100KUALA LUMPUR.
TEL :03-7949 2039,2705
FAX :03-7949 4639