Learning centre

Blood donation

Blood donation 1 min read

Why voluntary blood donation matters

Hospitals need blood every day for mothers during childbirth, accident victims, surgery and patients with blood disorders.

Eligibility

Eligibility 1 min read

Who can donate blood?

Generally, healthy adults who meet the age and weight requirements of their blood bank may donate. Requirements and waiting periods between donations differ between blood banks.

Safety

Safety 1 min read

Is donating blood safe?

Authorized blood banks use sterile, single-use equipment for every donor. Donation is carried out by trained staff.

Preparation

Preparation 1 min read

Preparing for your donation

Sleep well, eat a normal meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

After donation

After donation 1 min read

After your donation

Rest for a few minutes, drink fluids and follow the advice given by the blood-bank staff.

Blood groups

Blood groups 1 min read

Understanding blood groups

The eight common blood groups are A+, A−, B+, B−, AB+, AB−, O+ and O−.

Emergency help

Emergency help 1 min read

Responding to an emergency request

When you receive an alert, open it and choose “I can help” or “Not available”. Choosing “Not available” never counts against you.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions 1 min read

Frequently asked questions

Is my phone number public? No. It is shared only with a verified institution after you accept its request.