Blood donation conditions: What you need to know

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Extract from the article: Donating blood is much more than a simple gesture. It's a vital act of solidarity that plays an indispensable role in saving human lives. Every day, patients around the world depend on the generosity of donors to obtain the blood they need for life-s

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Donating blood is much more than a simple gesture. It's a vital act of solidarity that plays an indispensable role in saving human lives. Every day, patients around the world depend on the generosity of donors to obtain the blood they need for life-saving transfusions, whether to treat serious illnesses, traumatic injuries or surgical procedures. To ensure that this donation is as safe and effective as possible, it is essential to respect certain conditions and follow precise steps.

The blood donation process is designed to protect both donor and recipient. This involves checking the donor's state of health, ensuring that the donation is carried out under optimum conditions, and making sure that the blood donated is of high quality and safe.

General conditions for donating blood

Age: In general, donors must be between 18 and 60 years of age. However, in some regions, 16-year-olds may also be asked to donate blood with parental consent. This flexibility, which stems from demographic structure, encourages the participation of young people while guaranteeing their safety. This is also the case for people over 60 up to the age of 65 or 70.

Weight: The minimum weight required to donate blood is generally 50 kg. This threshold is essential to avoid the risk of discomfort or post-donation side effects, as a proportionally higher volume of blood collected may affect people of lower weight. Compliance with this requirement ensures safe collection and minimizes risks to the donor.

General state of health: Donors must be in apparent good health at the time of donation. If symptoms of contagious diseases are present, such as fever, cough or other signs of infection, it is preferable to postpone donation. This precaution prevents the transmission of disease and ensures the safety of the recipient. Being in good health guarantees rapid recovery after donation.

Chronic illnesses: Certain conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, sickle cell anemia and other hemoglobin disorders can affect the ability to donate blood. People suffering from these diseases, or undergoing medical treatment for other chronic conditions, who wish to donate blood, should consult their doctor before coming forward for a donation. The doctor will assess whether donation is compatible with your current state of health. You should report your state of health to the pre-donation consultation at the transfusion center, where your suitability to donate blood will be determined.

Alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption should be avoided for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation. Alcohol can affect blood quality and dehydrate the body, increasing the risk of discomfort or complications during and after donation.Avoiding alcohol helps to ensure that the body is in the best possible condition for donation.

Travel: Recent travel to areas where certain diseases are endemic may influence eligibility to donate blood.Some regions present increased risks of blood-borne diseases. In general, a certain delay (one month or more) is required after a trip to these areas before you can donate blood.This waiting period ensures that you are not carrying any diseases that could be transmitted to recipients.Sexual risks: unprotected sexual intercourse with an occasional partner in the last three (03) months is a strict contraindication to blood donation. The risk of infectious transfusion is far too high for recipients of labile blood products.

Pre-donation preparation

Drink water: It is advisable to drink a sufficient quantity of water (at least 0.5l or 500cc) before donating blood.Good hydration helps to thin the blood. This facilitates blood collection and reduces the risk of discomfort during and after donation.

Avoid fatty meals: Eat a balanced meal before donating blood, but avoid high-fat foods.Fatty meals can alter blood quality and make tests less reliable. Prefer meals containing lean proteins, vegetables and fruit for optimal preparation.

Adequate rest: Make sure you get a good night's sleep before the day of your donation.Adequate rest contributes to your general well-being and ensures that you are in good physical condition for the donation.Fatigue increases the risk of post-donation discomfort or side effects.

Donation process

Welcome and registration :Donors are welcomed upon presentation of photo identification (CNI, passport, health insurance card, driver's license).They receive an informed consent form for blood donation, which they read, sign and confirm that they are of the required age and have fully understood the ethical principles of blood donation, as well as the importance of blood products for patient care.Questionnaire: Before donating blood, a medical questionnaire must be completed. This form is designed to assess eligibility for donation based on health status, medical history and lifestyle habits. The questionnaire helps to identify any potential risk factors and ensure that the donation is made safely.

Medical examination: A healthcare professional will perform a medical examination. He or she will measure weight, blood pressure, check pulse, and take a small sample of blood to analyze pre-donation hemoglobin levels. This examination ensures that you are in good health and can donate blood without risk to yourself or the recipient.

Collection : The blood collection itself takes about 8 to 12 minutes. During this time, medical staff ensure that the process runs smoothly, carefully monitoring blood flow and the donor's comfort.

Safety: All equipment used for blood collection is sterile and single-use. This guarantees safety and hygiene, minimizing the risk of contamination or infection.Health professionals follow rigorous protocols to ensure a risk-free donation for themselves and future recipients.

After donation 

The snack: immediately after the donation, blood donors are served a snack to help compensate for fluid losses.The 15-minute snack allows the donor to rest, but also allows the snack agent to monitor the donor to ensure that there are no reactions to the blood donation.

After a blood donation, it is essential to follow certain recommendations to ensure the well-being and safety of the donation. Here are the main actions to take

Avoid strenuous physical activity: Donating blood does not weaken the body, but in the hours following the donation, it is advisable to avoid strenuous physical exercise, driving heavy machinery and carrying heavy loads.The body will need time to recover from blood donation, and vigorous activity may increase the risk of fatigue or discomfort. Limit physical activities and concentrate on light, undemanding tasks.

Report all incidents: within 72 hours or more after giving blood.This post-donation information will enable us to take better care of the donor, and also to quarantine the blood bag in the event of reports of infectious signs such as fever, headache, diarrhea, etc. A toll-free telephone number 8214, open 24 hours a day, is available to collect incidents from any blood donor. 

Temporary deferrals for blood donation

Certain situations may lead to temporary deferral of blood donation. These exclusions are generally put in place to protect the health of the donor and guarantee the safety of the recipient.Influenza: In the event of influenza or other viral infections, it is recommended that blood donation be postponed until two (02) weeks after full recovery.Flu symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, can make donation difficult and increase the risk of disease transmission.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and menstruation: Pregnant women are excluded from donating blood throughout pregnancy and breast-feeding. After breast-feeding, it is generally advisable to wait at least six months before resuming blood donation, to allow the body to recover fully. Menstruation is a relative contraindication to blood donation, and it is recommended to wait two (02) weeks afterwards before making a donation. Certain medical treatments: Specific medical treatments, such as certain medications or therapies, may temporarily exclude an individual from donating. It is important to consult the transfusion center's recommendations to determine the necessary waiting period.

Permanent exclusions: Certain conditions or behaviors may result in permanent deferral from donating blood to protect the safety of recipients.

Blood-borne diseases: People with blood-borne diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C are permanently deferred from donation. This is to prevent the transmission of these potentially serious infections to recipients.

High-risk behaviors: Behaviors considered high-risk, such as injecting drug use with shared equipment, may result in permanent exclusion.These behaviors increase the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases.

To donate blood in Lomé, go to :

- Center National de Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS), located in Doumasséssé, near the Doumassessé II public elementary school and EAMAU. The center is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. non-stop, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Toll-free number 8214.

- PCD Tokoin, located in the CHU Sylvanus Olympio behind the hemodialysis department: open Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. non-stop, Tel: 92 13 89 89.- PCD Kpalimé, located in CHP Kpalimé next to the laboratory department: open Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. non-stop, Tel: 70 53 66 66

- PCD Atakpamé, located in CHR Atakpamé next to the laboratory department: open Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. non-stop, Tel: 70 91 33 33- PCD Afagnan, located in the Hôpital ST Jean de Dieu d'Afagnan next to the laboratory department: open Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. non-stop, Tel: 70 86 55 55.

Raymond DZAKPATA