The document discusses why donating blood is important and provides information about eligibility requirements, the donation process, and what to do after donating blood. It notes that blood is needed to save thousands of lives daily, is the cheapest way to save a life, and helps unknown patients. The Philippine Red Cross supplies one-fourth of the country's blood needs. Eligible donors must be in good health, between 16-65 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and pass a screening. The donation process involves registration, testing, the donation itself which takes 10 minutes, and post-donation rest and fluid intake.

1. The Gift Of Live Presented by: Arnel O. Rivera

2. Why Donate Blood? Blood is the second liquid needed for life after water . Every day thousands die due to unavailability of blood.

3. Why Donate Blood? Blood donation is the cheapest way you can save someone’s life. The blood you donate helps an unknown brother/sister. It is worth more than any other charity you do.

4. Why Donate Blood? The need for blood is great. On any given day, more than two thousand of blood units are transfused to patients in our country. Some may need blood during surgery; while others depend on it after an accident or because they have a disease that requires blood components.

5. Why Donate Blood? The Philippine Red Cross approximately supplies one-fourth of the country's national blood requirements.

6. Who can donate blood? You can donate blood if you… - Are in good health - Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent); - Weigh at least 110 pounds; - Have a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg, Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and - Pass the physical and health history assessments.

7. In the screening process, you have to fill out a blood donation questionnaire form that includes direct questions about behaviors known to carry a higher risk of blood-borne infections. These behaviors include prostitution, intravenous drug use and others. A trained physician will be asking you about your medical/ health history, and a physical examination will be conducted. All of the information from this evaluation is kept strictly confidential.

8. Preparation before donating blood Have enough rest and sleep. No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation. No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation. Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty food. Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.

9. Steps in donating blood Have your weight taken. Register and honestly complete the donor registration form. Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.

10. Steps in donating blood A physician will conduct a blood donor examination. Actual donation--the amount of blood to be donated (either 350cc or 450cc) will depend on the donor's weight and blood pressure. It usually takes 10 minutes or less. A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid-intake are necessary after donation.

11. What to do after blood donation? Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice. Refrain from stooping down after blood donation. Refrain from strenuous activities like: Lifting heavy objects; Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.; or Operating big machines.

12. What to do after blood donation? Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects. Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding. If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured site, you may apply cold compress for 24 hours.

13. What to do after blood donation? If there is dizziness, just lie down with your feet elevated. Drink plenty of juice; and in just a few minutes or so, it will pass.

14. BLOOD DONATION FAQ'S

15. What happens to my donated blood? Each unit of blood collected will be examined for 5 transfusion-transmissible infectious diseases, namely: HIV, Malaria, Syphillis, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C before it is transfused to patients.

16. Is it safe to give blood? Yes. Each needle used in the procedure is sterile and is disposed after a single use. It is important that all blood donors are in good health, well-rested, and have eaten prior to donation.

17. When can we donate blood? A healthy person may donate blood every three months.

18. Can a person who has a tattoo donate blood? YES. As long as the tattooing procedure was done aseptically (in a sterile manner). This is the same with ear piercing, acupuncture, and other procedures involving needles.

19. Are the health history questions necessary every time I donate? To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all donors must undergo the necessary screening every donation. The World Health Organization and the Department of Health require all bloodcenters to conform to this practice.

20. What does the term "donor deferral" mean? Individuals disqualified from donating blood are known as "deferred" donors. A prospective donor may be deferred at any point during the collection and testing process. Whether or not a person is deferred, temporarily or permanently, will depend on the specific reason for disqualification.

21. If I was deferred once before, am I still ineligible to donate? If your deferral is of a permanent nature, you will be informed. Otherwise, the deferral time depends upon the reason for deferral. Prior to each donation, you will be given a mini-physical and medical interview. At that time, it will be determined if you are eligible to donate blood on that particular day.

22. What are some of the reasons for permanent deferral? Hepatitis B or C infection. HIV infection. Having sexual contact with a person infected with HIV Having multiple sex partners/ patronizing sex workers Serious chronic illness (heart and lung diseases)

23. Can a person who just had his/ her tooth extracted donate blood? NO. He/ She will be temporarily deferred for a year.

24. If I have a cold flu, can I donate blood? NO. In order to donate, blood centers require that you should be generally in good health (symptom-free); thus, it is important that you are feeling well.

25. Can I still donate if I have high blood pressure? Yes, if your blood pressure is under control and within the limits set in the donation guidelines.

26. What if I'm taking aspirin or medication prescribed by my doctor? YES. Aspirin and Ibuprofen will not affect a whole blood donation. Apheresis platelet donors, however, must not take aspirin or aspirin products 36 hours prior to the donation. Many other medications are acceptable; but it is recommended that you inform them ahead of time to inquire about the type of medication you are taking.

27. What other types of tests are done on the blood? Your blood is tested to determine your blood type—classified as A, B, AB, and O—and your Rh factor. The Rh factor refers to the presence or absence of a specific antigen, a substance capable of stimulating an immune response, in the blood;

28. What other types of tests are done on the blood? so, you are either Rh positive or Rh negative, meaning you either carry the antigen or you don't. This information is important to know, because your blood type and Rh factor must be compatible with the blood type and Rh factor of the person receiving your blood.