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It is easy to fixate on the needles and the discomfort caused when it comes to giving our blood. But did you know that it can both save lives and be used to treat many diseases? Learn more about the potential of this precious fluid that flows through your veins, and what you need to know when donating. 

Your blood saves lives in many ways

Used for transfusion

We all know the vital importance of blood in emergency situations. Transfusions save thousands of lives every year, including during accidents and surgical emergencies. Donating blood helps meet the constant demand from hospitals and clinics. This bright red liquid also helps thousands of patients throughout their therapeutic journey. 

When it becomes a labile blood product

This process isolates essential restorative properties of blood that no drug or synthetic product can replace to provide the following: 

Packed red blood cells – to treat blood diseases and haemoglobin deficiency, among others; 

Platelet concentrates – for use in oncology, including the preparation of patients for treatment or to treat blood cancers, as well as to treat bleeding disorders, among others; and 

Therapeutic plasma – to help with resuscitation, recovery of serious burn victims, help people with immune deficiencies and cure autoimmune diseases, among others. 

Does this give you a better idea of the power of this source of vitality and regeneration that is found abundantly in your body? Would you like to share it, as an expression of solidarity? Here are a few things to know before committing yourself!

The 6 conditions for donating blood:

• Be in good health.
• Be aged between 18 and 70 years.
• Weigh at least 50kg.
• Wait at least 2 to 8 weeks between 2 blood donations.
• Avoid consuming alcohol in the 24 hours prior to donation.
• Refrain from smoking two hours before donating blood.

What does “healthy” mean?

Talk to the blood drive team about your health and they will tell you more about contraindications. Service Public.fr advises pregnant women and people who have recently received a transplant or transfusion, among others, against giving blood. If in doubt, feel free to raise any health concern or question about a virus or other infection with the staff for advice. 

Can I donate blood if I tested positive for COVID-19?

The French blood agency (EFS) recommends that people who tested positive for COVID-19 wait: 

• 28 days after the onset of symptoms or 14 days after they have disappeared; or 
• 14 days from the date of testing for those who are asymptomatic. The same applies to contact cases. 

What blood type can receive my blood?