Understanding the Different Types of Blood Donation and Eligibility Requirements

2024-02-20 20:09:08

The different types of “blood donation”

The whole blood donation
The most common type of blood donation is so-called whole blood donation. Half a liter of blood is taken via the arm vein and then divided into its various components. The removal takes five to ten minutes (almost an hour with a rest break and a snack) and is usually tolerated without any problems, even by first-time donors. Whole blood donation can help many different people because recipients only receive the components of the blood they need.

To ensure that the body has enough time to compensate for blood loss, the interval between two blood donations must not be less than 56 days. Women are allowed to donate blood four times a year and men six times a year.

Die Plasmaspende
Blood plasma is the liquid component of the blood alongside the blood cells. It consists of 90% water and contains all important substances that are transported in the blood. Plasma is mainly needed to produce medicines. The need for blood plasma is now so high that it cannot be met through whole blood donations alone.

During plasma donation, blood is taken from the donor and immediately broken down into its individual components in a special device. The blood components separated from the plasma are returned directly to the donor. This process takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Since the blood cells are returned during a plasma donation, a relatively short donation interval is possible. Up to 60 plasmapheresis sessions are possible per year. However, there should be at least two calendar days between two donations; a donation interval of around seven days is recommended.

The platelet donation
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, play a crucial role in blood clotting and the human body’s immune system. People who suffer from leukemia or who have had an organ transplant cannot reproduce platelets and are dependent on their transfer.

When donating platelets – similar to donating plasma – only the platelets are filtered out of the donor’s blood; the remaining blood components are returned to the donor during the donation. A platelet donation takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Because only a small portion of the donor’s blood is taken, he or she can donate platelets up to 26 times per year. In addition, whole blood donation can continue at the usual intervals.

The autologous blood donation
Around five to seven weeks before a planned operation date, a decision should be made (in consultation with the doctor!) whether autologous blood sampling makes sense and is desirable. The operating doctor will inform you in good time before the operation date about the possibility of taking your own blood if the need for a transfusion is likely.

As a rule, two to a maximum of four autologous blood samples are taken. The final decision as to whether a patient is suitable as a donor is ultimately made by the doctor in the blood donation service. For safety reasons, autologous blood preparations may only be used for the patient himself and not for others.

Who is allowed to donate blood – and who is not?

In principle, any healthy adult with a minimum weight of 50 kg and over the age of 18 can donate blood. Multiple donors are even allowed to donate blood up to their 69th birthday. They can then be approved for donation up to their 73rd birthday, based on the doctors’ individual decision. First-time donors are allowed to donate blood until their 65th birthday. Women are allowed to donate blood a maximum of four times and men a maximum of six times within twelve months. There should be a minimum interval of eight weeks between two blood donations.

• To donate blood you must be in good health. For certain illnesses, the doctor will make a decision as to whether you can only be invited to donate blood for a certain period of time or permanently. For some chronic illnesses, blood can be donated even while taking medication.
• Traveling to European and non-European countries can lead to a postponement of a blood donation for different periods of time.
• After vaccinations, different time intervals must be observed before the next blood donation. The deferral periods depend on the vaccine used.
• A dental check-up without further treatment does not constitute an obstacle to donating blood. After simple treatment (e.g. fillings, tartar removal), blood donation is possible the following day. Minor surgical procedures require a one-week interval before blood donation.
• After major operations or endoscopic procedures, blood donation is only possible after a minimum interval of four months.
• An interval of four months is also necessary after tattoos, piercings, ear piercings, branding, permanent make-up, etc.
• Infectious diseases (e.g. AIDS, hepatitis) can be transmitted, among other things, through blood preparations. Therefore, people who are affected by this and are willing to donate may not be allowed to donate blood. This also applies to relatives who live in the same household.

Helping others – benefiting your own health

Aside from the social motivation, donating blood also has positive side effects for the donor:

• Every time you donate blood, there is a medical examination including blood pressure and pulse measurements and blood count determination.
• Every time you donate blood, you are tested for the infectious diseases hepatitis B and C, HIV (AIDS) and syphilis.
• Liver and kidney values ​​are checked at the initial examination and every two years thereafter. With the help of these examinations, some diseases can be detected early.
• Studies have shown that donating blood can have a positive impact on mood and well-being.
• Calories are burned through the formation of new blood (blood donation is still not a suitable diet!).
• Experts suspect that regular blood donation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Which blood for whom?

Source: DRK blood donation service NSTOB