Blood donation and health
A donor’s health status is reassessed each time they donate blood. A low haemoglobin count can be a sign of an iron deficiency. But what is haemoglobin? What can you do to prevent an iron deficiency? And is it okay to exercise after donating blood? You will find more information here.
Haemoglobin and iron deficiency
Haemoglobin is the red pigment in and the main component of red blood cells. It gives the cells their colour and is responsible for transporting oxygen. Low haemoglobin counts can be a sign of iron deficiency. The haemoglobin level is measured before every donation. Women should have a count of at least 12.5 grams per decilitre, men at least 13.5 grams per decilitre.
Before a donation, a finger-prick test measures the amount of haemoglobin in the donor’s blood.
Blood donation and sports
Athletes who train normally can donate blood without any adverse effects. A blood donation will not get in the way of the ambitions of recreational athletes either.
Before engaging in a sport at the highest level of performance, though, it is advisable to wait a day or two after a donation, because the body does need time to rest.
How long does it take the body to replace the donated blood?
The body compensates for the loss of the donated blood quickly. The white blood cells, which are important for fighting pathogens, and the blood fluid (plasma) are replaced within one day. Red blood cell counts get back to the pre-donation level within seven days, but the body needs several weeks to replenish its supply of red cells in the bone marrow.
Women can donate three times a year, men four times, at intervals of about 10 to 12 weeks. The intervals can be shorter in the case of plasma and thrombocyte donations.
Blood donation and safety
What measures are in place to ensure that blood donation is safe?
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