#DonDuSang: can I be a donor?

Published on 05/16/2024 02:22

Throughout the year, the French Blood Establishment calls for blood donations in order to reach sufficient reserve levels. Thanks to them, nearly a million patients a year are treated. But before you start, here's what you need to know about blood don

To give blood is to save thousands of lives every year, because it also includes platelets, plasma and placental blood.

"Blood donations should be regular and consistent because the lifespan of blood products is limited (5 days for platelets, 42 days for red blood cells.) 10,000 donations of blood are needed each day to meet the needs of patients and no product can substitute for the blood of volunteer donors, which is why donor mobilization is essential every day, "says the French Blood Establishment (EFS).

In France, 128 fixed sites and more than 40,000 mobile collections are open to the public every year, even during the summer holidays.

But before becoming a donor, some obligations must be taken into account.

Being of age (but not over 70)

Even when you have parental permission, you can not donate blood until you turn 18.

From age 70, you can not give it either

And feeling healthy is (unfortunately) not enough to give blood.

Weigh more than 50 kg

If the scale indicates that one weighs less than 50 kg, the donation of blood is compromised.

The reason is mathematical: during the collection, we extract at least 400ml of blood, without exceeding 8ml / kg. We must therefore weigh at least 50 kg.

Do not fast

Before heading to the collection sites, we think to feed normally, and especially to hydrate (alcohol is obviously contraindicated).

Similarly, it is important to have slept well the days before. This eliminates the risk of discomfort after the blood sample.

Respect deadlines between donations

Men can give up to 6 times a year and women up to 4 times.

Between two donations of blood, it is necessary to respect a delay of 8 weeks minimum.

Do not have dental work the week before

After dental care, there is a risk of bacterial transmission. A person who has undergone descaling (or tooth extraction) will have to wait 7 days to be able to donate again.

Another precaution to take: when you get a tattoo or a piercing, it is necessary to wait 4 months before giving blood.

This is the time required to eliminate the risk of viruses or bacteria.

Do not do a workout the same evening

When you donate blood, you have to wait at least 24 hours before exercising.

And it is also valid for long trips by car.

More information on dondesang.efs.sante.fr