Benefits of donating blood

Every now and then we hear announcements from hospitals appealing to individuals with a certain blood type to donate blood to a patient in need of a life-saving transfusion. In other cases, hospitals urge people to donate blood because their blood banks are almost empty. The majority of people think this process only benefits the recipients, but donors also benefit from donating blood.

Dr Nancy Okinda, a senior instructor and pathologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital, explains, “Donating blood is one of the easiest and safest processes. It does not hurt and, therefore, one should not be afraid. With every donation an individual can save three lives,” she says.

“To donate blood, you should be between 16 and 65 years old and weigh above 50kg. You will then undergo quick health checks during which your blood pressure, body temperature and haemoglobin will be measured. You will fill out a donor questionnaire that ensures your safety and that of the recipient. This informs you of any unknown medical illnesses, which will be followed by a blood draw from your arm.”

Okinda says the blood is screened for HIV and Aids, hepatitis and syphilis before being transfused to the recipient. Potential donors are given their results in strict confidence and advised to seek treatment for any diseases detected in the scanned blood.

After donation, many report emotions ranging from peace and contentment to joy and inspiration. Yet beyond the intrinsic rewards, the medical community recommends blood donation for the major health benefits that come with it for the donor.

“Possibly the most touted benefit is improved heart health through the reduction of oxidative stress. Thought to be the most dangerous threat to the cardiovascular system, an abundance of iron in the blood can result in damage to cells and tissues. Donating blood regularly results in reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes according to the American Medical Association.”

Donating blood also lowers the risk of developing cancer. According to a Swedish study, consistent blood donation is associated with lowered risk for cancers of the liver, lungs, colon, stomach and throat. The study suggests that risk levels dropped in correlation with how often participants donated blood.

Fundamentally, each time you donate blood, you should check on your own health including blood pressure, haemoglobin, and other vital signs. For those able to donate every time, they are eligible at 56-day intervals for whole blood. These are six free medical exams in a year.

“When you donate blood, you can save a life and give someone somewhere a future. You might even save an entire family without realising it because the patient who receives the blood might be the bread winner and when he or she survives, the entire family benefits from your generosity,” says Okinda.