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What happens to the blood we donate?
Most whole blood donations are spun in centrifuges to separate it into transfusable components: red cells, platelets, and plasma. Plasma may be processed into components such as cryoprecipitate, which helps control the risk of bleeding by helping blood to clot.
Does donated blood ever go to waste?
Blood banks don’t want you to know this. Blood donation is a surprisingly sensitive subject. The blood donated in the aftermath of 9/11 didn’t completely go to waste: The Red Cross used much of the excess to treat other patients around the country. Some of the blood, however, still needed to be destroyed.
Why does blood go bad?
It turns out that within hours of leaving the body, levels of nitric oxide in the blood begin to drop, until, by the time donated blood expires after 42 days, the gas is almost nonexistent. “The reality is that we are giving blood that cannot deliver oxygen properly,” says Stamler, lead author of the study.
Does Red Cross throw away blood?
After selling some of the surplus blood to hospitals, the Red Cross has begun to destroy thousands of pints that have outlasted their shelf life. Directors of several Red Cross blood centers said their sites may discard as many as 1 of every 5 donations and the national total could easily reach tens of thousands.
Do you gain weight after donating blood?
Fact: Blood donation does not cause weight gain. In fact, the process your body undergoes to replace the blood or plasma that you donate actually burns additional calories. While this calorie burn is not significant or frequent enough to actually cause weight loss, it certainly does not cause any weight gain, either.
What are the reasons deny you from donating blood?
You are anaemic Anaemia is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in your body.
When should you not donate blood?
Unfortunately you won’t be allowed to give blood if a member of your family has suffered with Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease, a rare and fatal brain disorder.
Why do people pass out when donating blood?
During the blood collection process, blood volume decreases, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure. This sudden drop causes some people to pass out while they give blood. Sudden decreases in blood sugar level also cause fainting during blood donation. “Men’s Health” magazine indicates that blood donation also has an emotional component.
What can you do after you donate blood?
Refreshment and Recovery After donating blood, you’ll have a snack and something to drink in the refreshment area. You’ll leave after 10-15 minutes and continue your normal routine. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing you are helping to save lives. Take a selfie, or simply share your good deed with friends.