A voluntary and painless process, blood donation is an essential contribution to national health systems. Able to be carried out all year round, this act of solidarity effectively makes it possible to meet many daily needs.
Did you know ? In France, 10,000 donations are needed every day (Source: French Blood Establishment)
The more numerous and regular we are to give, the more patients will be better taken care of: childbirth, road accidents, blood diseases, cancers… Not all patients are alike but require emergency care.
The conditions to be fulfilled
To be able to take a blood sample, you must meet several conditions:
- be between 18 and 70 years old (except rare blood)
- to be in a good health
- weigh at least 50 kg
The different stages of blood donation
1. The predon
First, go to one of the 150 donation houses, with an identity document. After registering and completing the predonation form, you will be greeted by a doctor or nurse during a medical interview.
Depending on your state of health, you will be able to give blood or not. Indeed, there are a multitude of contraindications, even temporary, such as an operation, taking certain medications, a tattoo or even a trip abroad. Find all contraindications here.
Good to know : the interview is strictly confidential.
2. Sampling
Sampling (420 to 480 ml) takes about 10 minutes and can be done every 8 weeks at least. Remember to stay well hydrated and relax during the sample collection, by performing some breathing exercises.
Do not hesitate to give a fine needle size if your skin tends to mark! It happens that sometimes, after a blood test, a hematoma appears. In addition, if your skin is infected or if you have a fever (over 38°C) within 15 days, call the centre. A telephone number to contact will be given to you at the end of your collection.
3. The rest phase
After taking the sample, rest for a few minutes under the supervision of a member of staff and have a snack. Do not smoke and avoid performing intense physical activities.
What happens to my donation after collection?
Once collected, your blood will be analyzed in the laboratory. Depending on the results, your blood will be processed and distributed to one or more recipients, compatible with your blood type. Red blood cells, platelets, plasma… each year nearly a million patients are saved thanks to donations! So what are you waiting for?
Did you know ? One bag of blood is enough to save 3 lives!
LR