- About Himachali Blood Donors- A donors’ network!
“Have you at anytime witnessed a relative of yours or a close friend searching frantically for a blood donor, when blood banks say “out of stock”, the donors in mind are out of reach and the time keeps ticking? Have you witnessed loss of life for the only reason that a donor was not available at the most needed hour? Is it something that we as a society can do nothing to prevent? This thought laid our foundation.”
What are the major blood types?
Your blood type is determined by the antigens it contains. There are two major types of blood antigens: ABO and Rh, which combine to create blood types: O+. O-, A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+ & AB-
| If your blood type is: | You can give to: | You can receive from: |
|---|---|---|
| O Positive | O+, A+, B+, AB+ | O+, O- |
| A Positive | A+, AB+ | A+, A-, O+, O- |
| B Positive | B+, AB+ | B+, B-, O+, O- |
| AB Positive | AB+ Only | All blood types |
| O Negative | All blood types | O- only |
| A Negative | A-, A+, AB-, AB+ | A-, O- |
| B Negative | B-, B+, AB-, AB+ | B-, O- |
| AB Negative | AB-, AB+ | AB-, A-, B-, O- |
Who can receive my blood?
A patient can receive blood that has the same ABO antigens as theirs, plus O. Rh+ can receive Rh+ or Rh-, while Rh- must receive Rh- blood.
Who can give blood?
Almost anyone who is healthy, at least 16 years old, and weighs at least 110 pounds. (16-year-old must weigh at least 130 lbs and need signed parental consent.)
What should I do to prepare for donating?
Eat a well-balanced meal, free of fatty or fried foods. A diet that regularly includes iron-rich foods will help promote red cell regeneration, increasing your chances of having an adequate hemoglobin level for blood donation.
What’s so important about donating blood?
A continuous supply of blood is essential to meet the needs of patients in area hospitals, and a steady stream of donors is necessary to meet that need. Blood is only available through the generosity of volunteer donors. It is estimated that 95% of the population will use blood or a blood component by the age of 75 – unfortunately, less than 5% of the eligible population actually donates.
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