Donating blood is an easy and selfless act that can save a life. This is the most painless way to support your community and the people who need blood to live. According to a 2021 prospective study of 100 whole-blood donors, found that in the week following donation, many donors experienced improved scores for mood, energy level, satisfaction, resilience, and physical well-being. 

Therefore, donating blood gives a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment: knowing you may save someone’s life gives psychological benefits, reduces stress, and can foster a sense of belonging or contribution to society.

Apart from this, being a blood donor can also benefit you physically. By donating blood, you’ll get improved heart health, reduce iron levels. Plus, it helps stimulate the production of new blood cells.

Therefore, a common question that comes to mind is, How often can you donate blood? Can you give, and can you donate blood while you’re not feeling well, or what can you do if you’re unable to donate blood? Continue reading to explore the answers to these significant questions.

Learn How Often You Can Safely Donate Blood

Well! How often can you donate blood safely depends on the type of donation you give. Generally, there are four types of blood donations, and each type has different waiting times and conditions that your body needs to replenish the specific components you've donated. 

Let’s look into the specifics of all types of blood donations:

1. Whole blood (a common type of blood donation)
2. Plasma
3. Platelets
4. Red blood cells (e.g., known as double red cell donation)

Whole Blood

Giving whole blood is the easiest type of blood donation. Because whole blood contains white cells, red cells, and platelets, included in a liquid called plasma. Most people can give whole blood every 56 days. The donor must have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dl.

A man can donate whole blood again after a minimum of three months, as it allows the body enough time to regain its red blood cells and store iron. While a women need a minimum of four months between donations to ensure proper iron recovery.

The age of donors must be between 18 to 60 years, with a weight of at least 50 kg (110 pounds). The general health of the donor must be good without any transmissible or chronic diseases, such as HIV, cancer, or hepatitis B or C.

Plasma

Plasma donation can be done safely every 28 days (every four weeks), up to 13 times in a year. This allows the donor’s body to fully recover its plasma supply. The 18-year-old or older persons with a minimum weight of 45–50 kg (approximately 110 lbs) are eligible to donate plasma. 

Also, the donor must be healthy and fit, and not have any contagious diseases. However, certain conditions, such as cancer, hepatitis, HIV, or heart disease, are reasons for permanent deferral.  

Platelets

Platelets are cells that control bleeding and support form blood clots. People can safely donate platelets once every 7days, up to 24 times per year. This procedure is called apheresis. 

During the process, only platelets are collected; however, the rest of the blood is returned to the body. As the body replaces the given platelets within 48 hours, so, it is safe to give platelets more frequently than whole blood. 

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells are the main component of blood that is utilized in blood product transfusions for surgeries. That’s why, donor must wait for a 112 days period between donations. 

However, this type of blood donation can’t be given more than three times per year. Male donors under 18 years of age can give a red blood cell donation just twice a year. 

Moreover, to ensure your donation is handled expertly and safely, whether financial or blood, it is advised to donate only at a reputable and trusted nonprofit facility like Sundus Foundation.

What to Expect When You Donate Blood?

Usually, the standard blood donation process only takes around 10 minutes if you donate a pint of whole blood. However, the complete procedure might take around 45 to 60 minutes because it involves factors like registration, screening, and recovery time.

For blood donation, you need to show your ID card at the blood donation center. Then, you’ll have to fill out a questionnaire where you have to put your personal information. Also, you will have to demonstrate some more information in the questionnaire, including:

1. Medications
2. Medical and Health History
3. Any Drug Use
4. Travel to Foreign Countries
5. Sexual Activity

Further, you’ll be informed by someone at the donation center regarding blood donation information, eligibility, and what's next to be expected.

When you’re eligible for blood donation, your pulse, hemoglobin levels, temperature, and blood pressure will be examined by the professional. Hemoglobin is a blood protein that transports oxygen to tissues and organs.

However, before starting your blood donation process, the blood will be drawn from a part of your arm, and then it will be cleaned and sterilized. Next, a new sterile needle will be inserted into your arm vein, and then blood will begin to flow into a pouch.

During your blood-drawing process, you can feel relaxed. However, to divert the donor’s attention, some blood centers have televisions to show movies or programmes. Once your blood is drawn and completed, a small dressing and bandage will be applied to your arm. You’ll then rest for 15 minutes and be served a drink or a light snack, and after that, you’ll be discharged to go.

Can you Donate Blood While Taking Medications?

If you’re suffering from any disease and taking certain medications, it can make you ineligible for blood donation, either short-term or permanently. For instance, if you’re currently consuming antibiotics, then you can’t donate blood. However, once you have completed the antibiotics course, you might be eligible for blood donation.

The list below of medications might make you ineligible for blood donation. Although it depends on how recently you’ve consumed the medications. Here is a partial list of medications that might disqualify you for donation:

1. Blood thinners, including anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs
2. Any antibiotics for an acute active infection
3. Acne treatments, such as isotretinoin (Accutane)
4. Hair loss and benign prostatic hypertrophy medications, such as finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)
5. Oral psoriasis medication, such as acitretin (Soriatane)
6. Rheumatoid arthritis medication, such as leflunomide (Arava)
7. Basal cell carcinoma skin cancer medications, such as vismodegib (Erivedge) and sonidegib (Odomzo)

Hence, while you register to donate blood, ensure you tell about any medications you might be taking for the past months, weeks, or days.

Why Sundus Foundation for Blood and Charity Donations?

For a decade, the Sundas Foundation has been supporting patients with various blood disorders, including Thalassemia, Hemophilia, blood cancers, and more. Also, they provide free transfusions of screened and safe blood and professional care across the country. 

However, the Sundus Foundation depends on frequent and generous donors to support its critical blood treatments and patient care. By donating blood and extending help through charity or Zakat, you can directly contribute to their mission of healing. 

Each donation offers comfort, medical support, and renewed hope, making donors vital to the foundation’s life-saving work. By doing this, you can also take the benefit of blood donation and contribute to saving thousands of lives. 

So, what holds you now? Become a part of a wider network of healing to support routine blood transfusions and emergency care to give patients a chance at a healthy life.

The Bottom Line

Donating blood is a simple way to help others and even save lives. Most healthy individuals without risk factors can donate whole blood every 56 days. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to donate blood or how often can you donate blood, talk to your healthcare provider or contact a blood donation center for more information. Your local blood center can also guide you if certain blood types are in high demand.

However, if you’re not physically able to donate blood, you can take part in this kind act by donating financial funds like Zakat and charity to a nonprofit organization like the Sundus Foundation to aid needy people. 

By donating blood and contributing financially through funds, you can contribute to lifesaving transfusions, ongoing treatment, lab tests, and supportive care. 

FAQS

How frequently can someone donate blood?

Let’s look into how often can you donate blood:

1. Most people can donate whole blood every 56 days, which is the most common type of blood donation. 
2. Most can donate red blood cells every 112 days. 
3. You can typically donate platelets once every 7 days, up to 24 times a year. 
4. Plasma donation is usually allowed every 28 days, up to 13 times annually. 
5. Giving multiple types of blood donations will decrease the total number you can donate each year.

Who should not donate blood?

People who are unwell, underweight, pregnant, or with certain medical conditions or diseases should not donate the blood.

How can you take part in a virtual act like blood donation if you are unable to donate physical blood?

If you are not physically fit, and suffering from any serious disease, or are facing any condition that restricts you from donating blood. Then don't worry! You still have an option that can enable you to play your role as a good human. You can donate your funds to a reliable charity center, the Sundus Foundation, a hope for needy people.