An initiative by JCI India

Who Needs Blood and Who Can Donate?


Every two seconds, someone, somewhere, needs blood. It's a startling statistic that highlights the importance of blood donation. Donating blood saves lives, and your single donation can assist more than one individual. Let's understand who benefits from your act of generosity and who can join this life-saving mission.

Who Needs Blood?

  • Cancer Patients: Treatment for various forms of cancer often includes blood transfusions. Your donation can give them a fighting chance.
  • Surgical Patients: Surgeries often require blood products to replace what is lost during the procedure.
  • People with Bleeding Disorders: Blood donations provide essential clotting factors for individuals suffering from conditions like hemophilia.
  • Individuals with Immune Disorders: Donated blood can offer antibody treatment for these patients, helping to strengthen their immune response.
  • Accident and Burns Victims: Severe accidents or burns may lead to significant blood loss. Transfusions can be life-saving in these situations.

Who Can Donate Blood?

  • Healthy Individuals: The foremost criterion for blood donation is good health. If you're well and fit, you're probably a good candidate for donation.
  • Age Factor: Donors should be at least 17 years old to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the blood supply.
  • Weight Requirement: Blood donors should weigh at least 46 kg.
  • Frequency of Donation: Male donors can give blood every 12 weeks (approximately every 3 months). Female donors can donate every 16 weeks (approximately every 4 months).
Who Should Not Donate Blood? Certain conditions and circumstances may prevent you from donating blood:
  • If you've had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.
  • If you have undergone surgery in the previous six months.
  • If you're pregnant.
  • If you're currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days or have had any infection in that last two weeks.
  • If you have any systemic diseases like heart disease, kidney disease, liver problems, blood disorders, or asthma.
  • If you're suffering from infections transmitted through transfusions like HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis, etc.
  • If you're addicted to drugs.

Understanding who needs blood and whether you can donate is the first step towards becoming part of this vital community service. If you can, consider becoming a donor today. Your contribution can make a significant difference

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