Blood donation is a form of care that can save many lives. However, several requirements must be met for someone to pass blood donor screening. Through the TikTalk RSA UGM Podcast on Friday (Sep. 26), Universitas Gadjah Mada Academic Hospital (RSA UGM) featured its Head of the Blood Transfusion Unit and clinical pathologist, Titien Budhiaty, who discussed the topic in depth.
The physician explained that the primary requirements for prospective donors include being in good general health, weighing at least 50 kilograms, and having a hemoglobin level above 12.5 grams per deciliter.
“Donors must also be between 17 and 60 years old, and those who donate regularly may continue beyond 60,” she said.
Preparation before donating is another essential factor to ensure the process goes smoothly. According to Budhiaty, donors are advised to eat and drink adequately about an hour before donation to prevent fainting.
She noted that fainting usually occurs due to lack of rest, being a first-time donor, or insufficient fluid intake. While fasting during donation is not recommended, some regular donors are able to do it without difficulty.
“We advise donors to make sure their bodies are fit and their nutritional intake is sufficient before donating blood,” she added.
Low hemoglobin levels are a common reason for donors to fail screening. Budhiaty recommended that people pay attention to their diet by consuming iron-rich foods such as meat, vegetables, and fruits.
She reminded the public that drinking tea after meals can inhibit iron absorption. Instead, she suggested consuming orange juice or other vitamin C-rich fruits to improve absorption.
“If dietary intake is insufficient, iron supplements can also be an option,” she explained.
Furthermore, Budhiaty noted that certain medical conditions may prevent someone from donating blood.
Patients with hypertension or diabetes may still donate if their condition is controlled, but not if they are using insulin. A history of heart disease, stroke, or hepatitis B in the family is also taken into consideration.
“We prohibit blood donation in cases that could endanger the health of either the donor or the recipient,” she stated.
Medication can also affect donor eligibility. Those taking anticoagulants, long-term psychotropic drugs, or medications that influence blood quality are not permitted to donate.
Screening also covers vaccination history, malaria, and travel to regions endemic with certain diseases. According to Budhiaty, this is crucial to guarantee the safety of transfused blood.
“The questions in the screening form are designed to ensure both donors and blood products remain safe,” she emphasized.
Honesty during the screening process is key. Budhiaty stressed that every prospective donor must answer the questions truthfully, even if they feel hesitant in front of others.
She provided an example: if a donor believes they may be at risk, they can inform the medical team afterward so that their blood will not be used. This transparency is essential because laboratory tests do not always immediately detect infections.
“A donor’s honesty is part of their moral responsibility in saving lives,” she remarked.
In addition to health, lifestyle also plays a role in successful blood donation. A nutritious diet, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise help keep the body in optimal condition for donating.
On the other hand, staying up late, eating irregularly, or a lack of exercise can hinder the process. The clinical pathologist added that maintaining good health is not only for blood donation but also a long-term investment for the body.
“If the body is healthy, we can become regular blood donors,” she said.
For some people, blood donation has even become a personal need because they feel healthier afterward.
According to Budhiaty, many regular donors admit to feeling uncomfortable if they miss their donation schedule.
She also mentioned that some patients survive thanks to the availability of blood from voluntary donors. This, she said, underscores the importance of maintaining sufficient blood supplies in hospitals.
“Blood donation is an act of kindness that truly saves lives,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: TikTalk RSA UGM Podcast and Gynecologic Portal