Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) says there's an emergency need for blood donors due to a "severe" shortage, especially for donors with O Positive & O Negative blood types. They have called for donors of these blood types to come forward and donate.

It is good to know that O positive blood is the most transfused type, but O negative blood is the universal donor. O negative blood plays a critical role as it can be given to any patient, especially during emergency situations when there's no time to figure out what the patient's blood type is. However, one with O- blood can only receive the same blood.

Qatar uses only volunteers to provide the entire country’s needs. Every year, blood donation helps to save many lives here in Qatar. This blood donation gives patients with life-threatening diseases who are in need of a blood transfusion a chance to live longer and improve the quality of their lives.

However, there is always a demand for blood and blood products. So if you are fit for blood donation, get out, donate and save a life! Here are a few more things you might not know about the blood donation process and the importance of being a frequent donor.

Benefits of blood donation

One donation can potentially save up to three lives. However, blood donation doesn’t just benefit recipients. There are numerous health benefits for donors too. According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, helping others can:

• Reduce stress
• Improve your emotional well-being
• Benefit your physical health
• Help get rid of negative feelings
• Provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation

The basics of donating blood

Many people are unaware of the process of donating blood. Becoming informed can shed light on what you are going to experience and make the whole process much less nerve-wracking. At the donation center, you have to face a screening interview to qualify as a donor. If you pass the screening, you will be prepared for the blood draw.

As like a routine blood test, the injection site will be sterilized and then a needle will be inserted to draw the blood. The volume of blood collected for a donation is generally 450 milliliters.

After the blood draw, many people feel fine and are encouraged to drink extra liquids to help the body with the regeneration of blood. However, if you feel a little woozy, you can sit until you feel good enough to move on. Your body will replace the fluid portion of your blood within 24 hours and it takes a few weeks to replace the red blood cells.

Requirements for blood donors

Prior to heading to blood donation center, don't forget to take your valid identification like health card. Also get enough sleep prior to the day of donation. Here are some more requirements to make you qualified as a donor as per HMC.

• Must be between 18 to 60 years of age
• Be in good health in general at the day of donation
• Must not have any chronic heart, lung or circulatory illnesses
• Weight must be 50 kg and above
• Donors must not be anaemic, insulin dependent or hypertensive
• Donors must inform the unit about medications being taken
• Pregnant, lactating, or menstruating women may not donate

Where to donate blood in Qatar?

Donors are handled both at the central HMC campus, Blood Donor Center, and at various off-site campaigns throughout Qatar. Here is the contact details of HMC Blood Donor Center.

HMC Blood Donor Center
Location: Al Rayyan Road
Phone: +974-44391081
Website: www.hmc.org.qa

Opening timings:
Sunday - Thursday – 7:00am -10:00pm, Friday- Closed
Saturday – 8:00am-8:00pm

Are you a regular blood donor? Or probably you have thought about donating blood but couldn't make it happen for some reason? Whatever the reason, if you are fit for blood donation, get out, donate and save LIVES! And don't forget to like and share this article - it keeps us going!

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Khadiza Begum

Content Writer

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