Donor: Can donate to all blood groups
Receiver: O−
Donor: A+, B+, AB+, O+
Receiver: O−, O+
Donor: A−, A+, AB−, AB+
Receiver: A−, O−
Donor: A+, AB+
Receiver: A+, A−, O+, O−
Donor: B−, B+, AB−, AB+
Receiver: B−, O−
Donor: B+, AB+
Receiver: B+, B−, O+, O−
Donor: AB−, AB+
Receiver: A−, B−, AB−, O−
Donor: AB+
Receiver: (Universal Receiver)
Your selfless act of donating blood can impact your health. The many benefits of blood donation on your health include:
Regular blood donation can improve and lowers the risk of cardiovascular health. It reduces the viscosity of blood and promotes better blood flow. When the blood flow is better, it prevents the formation of blood clots. It reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also improves your lipid profile by eliminating LDL or bad cholesterol from the blood.
Blood donation reduces the risk of hypertension. When you donate blood, a certain volume of blood exits your body. The reduction in blood volume leads to a decrease in the total amount of fluid in circulation. Blood donation helps maintain a healthy fluid balance in the body. Further, blood donation also helps maintain a healthy fluid balance.
Not everyone is eligible to donate blood—there are specific requirements and guidelines to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. Here is a detailed breakdown of who can donate blood:
Age
Minimum age:18-65 years in most countries (16 with parental consent in some places).
Weight
Minimum : 45 kg (110 lbs) in most countries.
This ensures safe blood volume loss during donation.
General Health
You should be in good general health and feel well on the day of donation. This means:
No active infections (e.g., cold, flu, COVID-19)
No recent major surgeries or illnesses
No uncontrolled chronic conditions
Whole blood: Every 8 weeks (56 days)
Platelets: Every 7 days, up to 24 times per year
Plasma: Every 28 days
Yes, donating blood is safe for healthy individuals, as it is performed using sterile, single-use equipment under the supervision of trained medical staff. Before donation, donors undergo a health screening to ensure they are fit to give blood, minimizing any risks. While some people may experience mild side effects like dizziness or bruising, these are temporary and manageable with rest and hydration. Overall, blood donation is a well-regulated and low-risk procedure that saves lives.