Blood Facts
- Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the body’s heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
- Blood carries to the body nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen.
- Blood carries away from the body waste matter and carbon dioxide.
- Blood fights against infection and helps heal wounds, keeping you healthy.
- Blood makes up about 7% of your body’s weight.
- A newborn baby has about one cup of blood in his or her body.
- White blood cells are the body’s primary defence against infection.
- Granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, roll along blood vessel walls to search and destroy bacteria.
- Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues.
- There are about one billion red blood cells in two to three drops of blood.
- Red blood cells live about 120 days in the circulatory system.
- Blood platelets help clotting and give those with leukemia and other cancers a chance to live.
Tips on Blood Donation
- Have a good meal at least 3 hours before donating blood.
- Accept the snacks offered to you after the donation, it is vital that you have them. You are recommended to have a good meal later.
- Avoid smoking on the day before donating. You can smoke 3 hours after donation.
- You will not be eligible to donate blood if you have consumed alcohol 48 hours before donation.
Misconceptions about donating blood
- “I will feel drained and tired after donating” – You will not feel drained or tired if you continue to drink fluids and have a good meal.
- “I cannot resume normal activities” – You can resume all your normal activities, though you’re asked to refrain.
- “I will have low blood” – If you are okayed to donate by the doctor you will still have surplus blood after the donation.
- “I can’t take alcohol…” – You can on the next day.
- “It will be painful while donating” – No, you will not feel any pain.
- “I will feel dizzy and may faint” – You will not faint or feel uncomfortable after donating blood.
- “I may get AIDS!” – No! Make sure disposable syringes are used and all measures are taken to keep you germ free.
- “My blood is common. I don’t think there will be demand for it” – That is why the demand for your type is greater than for rare types.