Health

How‌ ‌to‌ ‌donate‌ ‌blood‌ ‌during‌ ‌COVID-19?‌

How‌ ‌to‌ ‌donate‌ ‌blood‌ ‌during‌ ‌COVID-19?‌

The scarcity of blood is severe during the current situation of COVID-19. People are afraid to step out of their house to donate blood. It has led to a considerable fall in the unit of blood that Indian Red Cross Society used to manage per day before the lockdown. The coronavirus outbreak has caused unusual challenges to the blood bank supply. 

Are you wondering if it is safe to donate blood during the time of crisis like COVID-19? Whether you qualify as a candidate for blood donation? To answer your questions, we are sharing some necessary information in this blog. It will help you know everything about blood donation during the coronavirus pandemic. 

  • Voluntary blood donations are allowed and encouraged by the Indian government during coronavirus pandemic
  • You will not be tested for coronavirus before blood donation. Although your temperature will be checked and you’ll be screened verbally for symptoms at the collection centre. All the hygiene standard procedures will be followed
  • The blood donation centres adhere to the norms of social distancing. Both the donor and staff member are required to wear face masks at all donation centres. Safe distancing is practised, and hand sanitizer is provided throughout the donation process
  • You should avoid donating blood if you have symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, sore throat, fever, and difficulty in breathing and get yourself tested
  • If you have come in contact with a corona positive patient or a suspect or someone who is under quarantine, then you should refrain from donating blood for at least 28 days
  • You cannot donate blood for 28 days after departing from a country where there has been community transmission of coronavirus
  • If you have been tested positive for COVID-19, then you should wait until you recover entirely to donate blood
  • If you test positive for coronavirus within 14 days of blood donation, then you should inform the blood camp authorities, and the unutilised blood should be discarded immediately.

About the author

Apeksha Rawat

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