Donate blood, save life
The Thai Red Cross Society's bloodmobile is scheduled to obtain blood donation on Thursday, August 29, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noontime, at the parking lot in front of the AIT-Conference Center. All AITians are most welcome.
The Thai Red Cross counts on volunteer donors to save lives by giving a part of themselves through blood donation. On behalf of needy patients whose lives you maybe saving, the AIT Medical Clinic wishes to thank you for your interest in donating blood to the Thai Red Cross Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible to give blood?
To give blood, a person must be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Persons who are older than 65 and in good health may usually donate with the approval of the blood bank physician.
Is it safe to give blood?
Yes, it is very safe. Each needle used in the procedure is sterile and is disposed of after a single use.
How often can I donate blood?
People in good health who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate a unit of blood as often as every eight weeks. Some institutes may further limit the number and/or frequency of donations in a 12-month period.
Making the Most of Your Gift
Helpful and Healthful Tips for Blood Donors
We want your donation to be as safe and successful as possible. We hope the following suggestions help you be the best donor you can possibly be.
Day of Donation
Drink extra water and fluids before you donate to replace the volume of blood you will donate and to prevent low blood pressure. You should continue drinking extra fluids after donation, too. Coffee and tea do not count, because the caffeine causes your body to lose more fluid than the drinks provide.
Eat foods containing protein or complex carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, fruit or lean meat. You will feel more comfortable during and after donating. Before you donate, a small meal or snack will do. But avoid eating fatty foods, such as hamburgers, french fries, ice cream or cheese before donating.
As part of our vigorous safety screening, after you donate, your blood will be tested for infections to make certain it is safe for transfusion. These tests can be affected by fatty materials - lipids - that appear in your blood for several hours after eating fatty foods. When this occurs, testing cannot be performed, and we may not be able to use your blood.
Between Donations
Give your body plenty of iron. When you donate whole blood or packed red cells, you lose the iron contained in red blood cells. Eat plenty of iron-rich food to replace these cells between donations.
Iron comes from the food in your diet. Foods rich in iron include red meat, fish, poultry, broccoli, beans, raisins and prunes. Many cereals are fortified with iron, and iron is often included in multiple vitamin preparations. Eating foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruit) helps your body absorb the iron you eat.
By following these suggestions, you will help make your donation as safe and successful as possible for patients who count on your blood.