BLOOD DONATION IN THE UAE

DOs AND DONTs FOR BLOOD DONORS
Those who can donate blood should:
•Be residents of the UAE
•Be between the ages of 17 and 60
•Have a minimum weight of 45kg
•Not have donated blood in the last 90 days
•Not be suffering from any infectious diseases, influenza or taking antibiotics

Those who can never donate their blood are:
•Hepatitis B and C patients
•HIV positive patients
•Diabetics who are insulin or pill dependent. However, those who can control sugar levels through diet and exercise can donate
•Alcoholics and drug addicts

Temporary deferrals on people who:
•Have had dental work done in the last five weeks
•Are taking antibiotics
•Have smoked or consumed alcohol in the last 72 hours
•Have had tattoos or ear piercing done in the present year
•Pregnant women
•Anaemic patients who can replenish their haemoglobin can come back for donation later

When you visit a camp for donation, you should have:
•Had plenty of fluids
•Eaten nutritious food
•Had a good night's sleep
•Refrained from smoking or drinking
At the centre, they'll register you as a donor, take a quick medical history, do a medical examination, get you to donate and finally provide you with a place for brief rest and some refreshments to replenish your energy.

After donation
•You must continue to lie on the bed with your feet raised above the level of your body for ten minutes
•Leave the bandage on for four hours
•Drink extra fluids for the next three days, especially the first four hours after donation
•Have a protein-rich diet and rest, which means not taking extra stress of work or driving

BLOOD DONATION CENTERS:
DUBAI
Blood Donation Centre (BDC), Al Wasl Hospital, Call: 04 2192331
Time: Sun- Thurs 7:30am - 6:00pm

To host a blood drive: Call: 04 2193338

Al Baraha Hospital, Call: 2710000

ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, Call: 02 6656508
Time: Sun- Thurs 7:00am - 8:30pm / Sat: 8:00am - 1:00pm
In Ramadan, check your nearest mosque after Iftar for blood donation buses or call 02 656 8811 for information.

SHARJAH
Sharjah Blood Transfuion and Research Center, Call: 06 5582111
Time: Sun - Thurs 7:30am - 7:30pm / Sat: 7:30am - 1:30pm

To organise a campaign of 40+ people, call 06 5582111

AL AIN
Blood Bank, Al Tawam Hospital, Call: 03 7075212

~ courtesy of UAE Donors Save A Life and Gulf News
~ SAMAHANG PINOY KAWANGGAWA (www.isabelsaguinsin2.blogspot.com)