There's no end to the benefits of donating blood for those who need it. Every donation can save as many as three lives, and someone in Lebanon needs blood every single day. It turns out that donating blood doesn't just benefit recipients. There are health benefits for donors, too, on top of the benefits that come from helping others. Read on to learn the health benefits of donating blood and the reasons behind them.
Prior to blood donation, every blood donor undergoes a medical checkup to confirm eligibility. Vital signs are checked such as hemoglobin levels, temperature, and blood pressure.
Because high body iron stores have been suggested as a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction, donation of blood could theoretically reduce the risk by lowering body iron stores.
Getting out of your usual environment to do something good for someone else is stimulating in the best kind of way. Donating blood, like volunteer work, can give a better sense of belonging and a sense of achievement towards the cause of saving lives.
According to several studies conducted, some findings suggested that donating blood removed oxidants and decreased oxidative stress by elevating antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase in blood donors.
Some diets may increase the iron levels in the body, and since only limited proportions can be absorbed, excess iron gets stored in the heart, liver, and pancreas. This, in turn, increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver failure. Blood donation helps in maintaining the iron levels and reduces the risk of various health ailments.
And you save
Lives
With every donation
Each unit of blood is separated into three components: Blood, Platelets, and Plasma, that go to 3 different patients.
Can I Donate?
Who can donate?
There are broad criteria for blood donation, and the conditions are many, but they are all unified in an official document from the Ministry of Public Health. However in Lebanon, these conditions vary from one hospital to another, and you can get in touch with us at any time for any clarifications.
Even though most people are eligible for blood donation, it is not the case for everyone.
There are many reasons why you may not be able to donate, but these reasons fall into two main categories: Risks to your health and/or risks to the health of the patient.
If you are not eligible to donate, it’s okay! You can always spread the message and encourage someone else to donate!
Smoking
Smoking does not affect blood donation. You can still donate.
Antibiotics
Waiting period 14 days after completion of treatment.
Age
You can donate if you are between 18 and 60 years old.
Temperature
To donate, your body temperature should not exceed 36-37°C.
Health Conditions
You cannot donate if you have ongoing liver, lung or heart conditions.
Diabetes
Cannot donate if taking insulin injections.
Cholesterol
Can donate if regulated depending on hospital.
Travel To Africa
You cannot donate if you traveled to an endemic country for malaria.
Surgery
12 months waiting period after surgery.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin level should be above 13 for women, and above 13.5 for men.
Both men AND women can donate!
Blood Pressure
Can donate if regulated, no signs of hypertension.
Pregnancy
Cannot donate if pregnant or breastfeeding (12 months waiting period postpartum).
Vaccines
Waiting period between 1 and 3 months depending on the vaccine.
Allergies
You can donate if you are feeling well. 14 days waiting period if the symptoms are severe.
Allergies
You can donate if you are feeling well. 14 days waiting period if the symptoms are severe.
Dental Work
Can donate if no surgery and/or anesthesia was applied.
Weight
Women above 50 kg can donate. Men above 60 kg can donate.
Tattoos & Piercings
12 months waiting period.
Viruses
It depends on each virus. Waiting period for Covid-19 is 1-3 months.
Age
You can donate if you are between 18 and 60 years old.
Temperature
To donate, your body temperature should not exceed 36-37°C.
Health Conditions
You cannot donate if you have ongoing liver, lung or heart conditions.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin level should be above 13 for women, and above 13.5 for men.
Both men AND women can donate!
Blood Pressure
Can donate if regulated, no signs of hypertension.
Dental Work
Can donate if no surgery and/or anesthesia was applied.
Weight
Women above 50 kg can donate. Men above 60 kg can donate.
Tattoos & Piercings
12 months waiting period.
Smoking
Smoking does not affect blood donation. You can still donate.
Antibiotics
Waiting period 14 days after completion of treatment.
Diabetes
Cannot donate if taking insulin injections.
Travel To Africa
You cannot donate if you traveled to an endemic country for malaria.
Surgery
12 months waiting period after surgery.
Pregnancy
Cannot donate if pregnant or breastfeeding (12 months waiting period postpartum).
Cholesterol
Can donate if regulated depending on hospital.
Allergies
You can donate if you are feeling well. 14 days waiting period if the symptoms are severe.
Viruses
It depends on each virus. Waiting period for Covid-19 is 1-3 months.
Vaccines
Waiting period between 1 and 3 months depending on the vaccine.
Vaccines
Waiting period between 1 and 3 months depending on the vaccine.
Criteria for Blood Donor Selection According to the Ministry of Public Health
Download the official document from the ministry of public health to discover more about donor eligibility.
Platelets
Why platelets
Platelets are pieces of very large cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes. They help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and to help wounds heal. Having too many or too few platelets or having platelets that don't work as they should can cause problems.
Who Needs Platelets?
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Cancer patients may need platelet transfusions if their bone marrow is not making enough. This happens when platelet-producing bone marrow cells are damaged by chemo or radiation therapy or when they are crowded out of the bone marrow by cancer cells.
Open heart surgeries
Platelets play a very important role in hemostasis, especially after cardiac surgery. Excessive bleeding after such surgery may lead to increased need for transfusion and its incumbent increase in post-operative morbidity and mortality.
Patients with Hemorrhages
A hemorrhage is the loss of blood from damaged blood vessels. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help your body form clots to stop bleeding. If one of your blood vessels gets damaged, it sends out signals to the platelets. The platelets then rush to the site of damage and form a plug (clot) to fix the damage.
On behalf of the community, the families and the patients,
THANK YOU
FOR FIGHTING THEIR FIGHT
Things You Need To Know
Whole blood consists of 3 main components: red blood cells, white blood cells (platelets), plasma. Whole blood needs to be separated in order to collect the platelets alone. It is a longer process than blood donation but not painful at all!
Register As A Platelets Donor
Platelets are essential to surviving and fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. Join the movement and donate platelets today.
Preparing Yourself
Before Donating Blood
Get a good night's sleep
Eat healthy, drink lots of fluids, and stay hydrated!
Don't forget your ID card
Avoid fatty and heavy meals
Avoid alcohol the night before, happy hour can wait!
If you're a regular smoker, take a break for a couple of hours
A Hero In The Making
Now that you have reached the blood bank, you will go through registration and fill out a questionnaire. In a private and confidential interview, you will be asked about your medical and travel history.
The blood bank technician will take your pulse, temperature, blood pressure and test your hemoglobin level to ensure eligibility.
Next, you will be directed to the donation station where the blood collection takes about 10 minutes, using a single-use sterile bag and needle. With the donation, a blood sample is collected to run a series of tests before the transfusion.
If you are feeling stressed about your donation, don’t worry! Just sit back and relax, or listen to your favorite tune!
Watch this video while giving blood!
Now that you Saved A Life...
After Blood Donation
The amount of blood collected is small compared to the total blood volume of an average-sized person.
After donation, your body has an amazing capacity to replace all the cells and fluid that have been lost and you can donate again after 56 days.
Apply pressure on the area for 5 minutes
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Rest for 15 minutes, think about the beautiful thing you just did!
Avoid heavy activity, even super heroes need to recharge!
Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for a couple of hours
Now that you're done, spread the message to encourage more people to become heroes!
Blood FAQ
*According to the Ministry of Public Health
No results found...
Which blood types are compatible? Who can receive my blood?
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-
A Negative
A-, A+, AB-, AB+
A-, O-
B Negative
B-, B+, AB-, AB+
B-, O-
AB Negative
AB-, AB+
AB-, A-, B-, O-
Can I donate blood if I have diabetes?
Yes, unless you are on insulin injections. If the diabetes is stable and controlled by diet or pills, the donation may happen.
Can I donate blood if I'm a woman?
Yes! You can donate blood if you are a woman between 18 and 65 years old, if you weigh 50 kgs and above, and are feeling well without any sign of infection or anemia.
Can I donate blood if I have a cold, flu, or sore throat?
No, you should wait 14 days until recovery or conclusion of treatment.
Can I donate blood if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, you cannot donate while pregnant as the body needs the blood and its iron to support the fetus. You can start donating 6 weeks after delivering the baby and only after you stop breastfeeding.
Can I donate blood if I previously had Covid-19?
Yes. Blood and/or convalescent plasma donation may be made after recovery and a waiting period of 14-28 days with a negative PCR test.
Can I donate blood if I drink alcohol?
Yes, just make sure to wait 12 hours after your last alcohol consumption.
Can I donate blood if I smoke?
Yes, just make sure not to smoke for 30 minutes before you donate and up to 2 hours after the donation.
Can I donate blood if I had hepatitis?
According to the Ministry of Health, If you've had hepatitis A, you're eligible to donate after one year. But if you ever tested positive for hepatatis B or C at any age, you are permanently differed from donating, even if you were never sick of jaundice from the infection.
Can I donate blood if I have been to Africa?
Yes, only if you never visited countries that had malaria.
I am afraid to go to a hospital. Is it safe to donate blood during the pandemic?
Yes. Blood banks are logistically separated from hospital wards and Covid-19 divisions, and all safety precautions are followed.
How should I prepare for a blood donation?
Get a good night's sleep, eat well, avoid fatty meals, stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Remember to bring your ID. Check the pre-donation tips here.
What should I do after donating blood?
Hydrate & relax! Drink lots of fluids, avoid intense activities and relax! Avoid smoking for up to 2 hours following your donation.
Can I donate blood if I am vaccinated (all vaccines)?
Blood donation is accepted one month after your last vaccine shot.
How much time does it take to donate blood? Is it painful?
The blood withdrawal itself takes around 5-7 minutes. The whole procedure may take up to 30 minutes. It is not painful at all.
I have bruises after donating. What should I do?
No need to worry! This non-painful souvenir that you did something beautiful will only last a couple of days. Occasional bruises happen depending on the skin type and the veins of the donor. To treat it, put an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area for about 20 minutes, a few times during the first 24 hours after you have blood drawn. Switch from an ice pack to a warm compress for the second 24 hours after your blood is drawn. Apply it to the affected area for 20 minutes a few times throughout the day.
Does it affect my body negatively if I donate blood?
No at all. The body restores all necessary fluids within 24 hours from donation. Moreover, donating blood has several health benefits that you can check out here.
