Before you donate blood, a health screening is conducted to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. This screening typically includes the following components:
Personal Health Questionnaire
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding your medical history, including:
Current health status
Any medications you are taking
Past medical conditions (e.g., surgeries, chronic illnesses)
A brief physical examination may be performed, which includes:
Blood Pressure Check: Ensures your blood pressure is within a safe range.
Pulse and Temperature: Vital signs are monitored to assess your general health.
Hemoglobin Test: A small blood sample is taken (usually via a finger prick) to check your hemoglobin levels. This helps determine if you have enough red blood cells to donate safely.
Review of Donor Eligibility Criteria
The staff will go over the eligibility criteria, ensuring you meet the following:
Age (typically 18-60 years)
Weight (minimum of 50 kg)
General health status and absence of recent infections