Why should I give blood?

The human body is the only manufacturer of blood. Therefore, you can help save the life of a patient by donating safe blood.
Some of the major reasons for blood transfusion are,
Severe blood loss due to:
l Road traffic accidents
l Complicated child births
l Major surgical operations
l Industrial accidents
l Blood disorders eg sickle cell anaemia.
Anybody between the ages of 16 and 60, who is healthy and weighs at least 50kg can donate blood
Do I have enough blood?
The average adult has four to five liters of blood. A single donation is 450ml. Donors can give blood safely three times a year (females), and four times a year (males).
Before each donation, a health check is done. It takes no more than 15 minutes to donate blood.
What tests are done on donating blood?
Blood is screened in order to determine the blood groups (A,B, O Rhesus groups) of the donor. Normally only blood of the same group as that of the patient is given to the recipient of the blood.
Blood is also screened for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis.
All tests are done in strict confidence by the National Blood Services Zimbabwe laboratories. The health of the person who receives blood is of paramount importance hence screening of all donated blood.
NBSZ is not a centre for screening for diseases in the population.
If you are worried about your health, please contact your nearest clinic/doctor or voluntary counseling and testing centre.
What are blood groups?
Blood groups are inherited from parents. They do not change for the rest of ones’ life. A human being can have any one of the following blood groups:
A rhesus positive (+)
A Rhesus negative ()
B Rhesus positive (+)
B Rhesus negative ()
AB Rhesus positive (+)
AB Rhesus negative ()
O Rhesus positive (+)
O Rhesus negative ()
Who will be told if there is something wrong with my blood?
Only your doctor or counseling organisation of your choice will be told the results. No one will be informed without your written consent.
Are there any side effects?
No. A person in good health should feel perfectly well after donating blood. We will give you light refreshment and ask you to rest for a few minutes. However, in any case of any adverse effects, professionally trained staff will attend to you.
Will I catch Aids from donating blood?
No. All equipment used in taking blood is used only once on each donor. Used needles and lancets etc. is disposed of by burning after a single use.
Is my sex life or daily working routine affected by donating blood?
No. You should be able to perform your duties normally after giving blood. However, donors should not perform strenuous physical activities for the remainder of the day.
Why do hospitals charge for blood when it is donated free?
Blood is not “sold”. A service charge is levied to cover the cost incurred in taking blood from the donor to the patient.
Some of the costs include:
l Transport to collect blood
l Blood collection consumables (blood bags, needles, etc)
l Laboratory testing
l Storage and distribution
l Processing and testing equipment
l Equipment maintenance
l Staff expenses
Blood is priceless. Nobody can put a price on blood.
Will I receive payment for giving blood?
No. Blood donation is done on voluntary basis. The greatest payment you can have is knowing that you have helped save a fellow human being’s life.  — Source: NBSZ and WHO.