Our expert explains that if you want to donate blood it is not necessary to fast, you can eat a light breakfast that does not contain fat or dairy. Every day a person, somewhere in the country, needs blood to restore their health. However, hospitals and clinics often find it difficult to perform a blood transfusion quickly and in a timely manner due to a lack of this vital resource.

This Thursday, December 15 and Friday, December 16, we can all change this reality and participate in the II Conference “United Latin America Donate Blood” or “Donaton”, of the Ministry of Health (MINSA), whose purpose is to promote voluntary blood donation so that more lives are saved.

How to donate blood?

To contribute to this noble cause, you can go to the Blood Bank closest to your home or to Clinica Ricardo Palma, located at Javier Prado Este 1066 Auditorio de la Torre B, 9th floor, San Isidro, from 8 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon, and make your voluntary donation. To do this, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 60 years old
• Weigh more than 50 kilos
• Measure more than 1.50 meters
• Enjoy good health and
• Present your ID, passport, or immigration card.

Dr. Eddy Manrique, head of the Blood Bank of Clinica Ricardo Palma, explains that it is not necessary to go fasting, you can eat a light breakfast that does not contain fat or dairy. If you go in the afternoon, you should wait 4 hours after having lunch. Men can donate every 3 months and women 4 months.

Banishing myths

In this context, the doctor clarifies some doubts about donating blood:

• A patient who had COVID-19 can donate blood one month after being discharged, as long as they do not have serious sequelae.
• It is not necessary to eat twice as much after a donation. What is recommended is to drink more liquid, preferably water, infusions or natural juices.
• After blood collection, it is recommended not to exercise because you might get dizzy, wait until the next day.
• People who have tattoos can donate after one year as long as they are eligible.
• If you took antibiotics, allow a week to pass and not present any discomfort to donate.
• People with hepatitis B and C cannot contribute to this cause. Those who had hepatitis A during their childhood, yes.
• If you underwent surgery, you must wait 6 months to donate blood, but if you received a blood transfusion you must wait a year.

Dr. Eddy Manrique
Clinical pathologist and Head of the Blood Bank of Clinica Ricardo Palma

Source: peru21.pe