Eligibility
Please note that due to new clinical developments, final eligibility determination is decided by the medical staff at the National Blood Transfusion Service.
IDENTIFICATION
Identification with Maltese ID card, Maltese Driving License or Maltese Passport.
AGE
Between 18 years and 63 years; 17 year olds must have a parent's/guardian consent. Regular donors above 63 years and under 65 years may donate, but the intervals between donations should not exceed 6 months. New donors above 63 years are not accepted.
WEIGHT At least 50kg (110 lb). FREQUENCY OF DONATION
Females can donate every four months; Males can donate every three months. Females who are not menstruating, may donate every three months.
HEALTH
Donor must be in general good health and recently not suffering from any serious illness.
MEDICAL SCREENING
A questionnaire is filled in by the donor and then discussed with the doctor to determine if one can donate or not. This is done under strict confidentiality, as donor's honesty is very important.
Be Prepared
Thank you for your interest in donating blood.
Following are some guidelines donors should know or do prior to attending any blood donation centre.
It is important to note that the process of blood donation is not traumatic at all on a healthy human body, so if you decide to donate, simply relax, take it easy, it’s a simple process.
Feeling Sick
If you have fever, sore throat or flu-like symptoms,or suffered from diarrhoea recently, avoid coming to donate blood as you will not be able to do so.
If you are having any treatment, tell the doctor the names of the medications, preferably bring them with you.
Clothing
Avoid wearing tight clothing around your neck, waist and arms when coming to donate blood.
Food and Drinks
Make sure you have had a healthy breakfast or lunch before coming. Never donate blood with an empty stomach; you might feel a bit dizzy.
Please avoid eating fatty foods like pizzas, cheesecakes and junk food, prior to a blood donation.
It is very important that you start drinking before coming to donate blood, preferably water. Alcohol should not be consumed on the day of the donation.
We do offer snacks and refreshments to whoever attends, and emphasis the fact that donors should help themselves to our drinks before the donation, so go ahead!!
Our friendly staff will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible during the process, so if you lack anything, simply ask.
Giving birth
If you gave birth leave 1 year after delivery before coming to donate blood.
Tattoo and Body Piercing
If you have done a tattoo or any body piercing lately, leave 6 months from when it was made before coming to donate blood.
Exams
If you are planning to sit for any exams, postpone the date to come and donate blood until you're ready.
After the Donation
Drinking
Make sure that you keep on drinking regularly for the rest of the day. Avoid alcohol.
Sports
On the day of your donation, avoid strenuous activity e.g. brisk walking or running, avoid weight lifting for the first 3 days after donation.
Avoid swimming or staying in the sun.
Do not go scuba diving for a week.
Going abroad
If you want to donate blood before going abroad make sure you come at least 3 days before the flight.
If you had any injections before going abroad leave 6 months before coming to donate blood.
Others
During the day of the donation, do not use heavy machinery, avoid housework including ironing, avoid going up a ladder.
Avoid smoking during the first 2 hours after you donated blood.
Take some time for yourself and relax, you deserve it.
Your body needs some time to replenish the blood you donated. You need to drink a lot to replace the volume donated. During summer one has to bear in mind that you need more fluid replacement because of the hot weather.
For further information you can have a look at our questionnaire and FAQ's or you can call us on 79307307 or 22066201
Feel good about yourself, you have just saved a life.
|
