Donating blood, that’s how it works
Blood is desperately needed. For example, for people who lost a lot of blood during an operation or accident. Patients who produce too few red blood cells or platelets sometimes also need a blood transfusion. To meet this demand, the blood bank collects blood from donors.
Sanquin arranges the collection of donated blood. There are collection locations throughout the country. If you are between the ages of 18 and 65, you can register as a donor. You will then receive an invitation for an inspection. There you will answer a list of questions to determine whether you meet all the safety criteria. A doctor measures your blood pressure and hb level, takes a few tubes of blood and sends them to a lab.
If you meet all the security criteria, you will receive a call for your first donation within a few weeks. If the questionnaire or blood test shows that you are not allowed to donate blood, you will be notified in writing.
blood draw Are you going to give blood? Make sure you are rested and eat and drink well beforehand. Bring your calling card and proof of identity with you.
For every donation you undergo a small inspection. You fill in a questionnaire again. For example, the blood bank will want to know whether you have been abroad, have had an operation, have been vaccinated or have recently had the flu. Also your blood pressure and hb are checked. If it is safe for you to give blood, a blood bank employee will draw half a liter of blood through a needle in your arm. That takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
You may remain seated for a while after the blood draw. Afterwards you can take a seat in a room where soup, coffee, tea, sandwiches and cakes are ready. By eating and drinking you replenish the nutrients and the moisture that you have lost. If you feel well, you can go home. It is wise to take it easy after the blood draw, so that your body recovers. In total you will spend about an hour with your visit to the blood bank.
Destination Patients usually only need a certain component of blood. That’s why a centrifuge separates your donated blood into three components: red blood cells (erythrocytes), plasma and platelets (thrombocytes).
Red blood cells go to patients who have lost a lot of blood and people who do not make enough red blood cells themselves. The plasma is needed in the production of medicines and for people with very large blood loss or burns. The platelets are intended for patients with a malignant blood disease, such as leukemia. Sanquin sometimes uses a section for scientific research.
To prevent the transmission of infections, Sanquin always tests your blood for five diseases, namely HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and HTLV-I/II (a virus that can cause leukemia).
Compensation In the Netherlands you will not receive any compensation for your donation. Sanquin believes that safety is best served by voluntary donors: people who would receive money may not fill in the questionnaire about their health honestly. However, after a certain number of donations you will receive a symbolic gift to thank you.
How often The blood bank will send a call if they need your donation again. If you are a wanted blood type you will be asked more often to come by. Men are allowed to donate blood up to five times a year, women three times.
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