Blood can not be made or manufactured, mined or bought at any store. It can only come from healthy human beings like you and me.

Blood circulates in our body and carries all the nutrients from the food we eat and oxygen from the air we breathe to make all the parts of our body  work well.
 

Many sick and injured people would die if they did not get blood. That is why it is so important to donate blood once we are old enough.

Giving blood does not hurt, and when you give blood the old cells are replaced by new ones.
 

People who care know how important it is to give blood.  Giving blood can save a life. The life you save could be your mom or dad, brother or sister or even your best friend
 
 
 
 

	Are you 18 years or older and in good health?
	Is your weight at least 110 pounds?
	Well, give blood and save a life.  It's easy to give blood.

 
 
 

Do you know that donating blood is good for you?

It is a complete health check that measures your blood pressure, weight, heart rate and iron content.  Giving blood makes you look younger, healthier and feel more vigorous.
 
 

Who can give blood and what do you need to do?

Anyone can give blood, irrespective of religion, sex or creed.  Just visit the National Blood Transfusion Service and the caring nurses will ask your name, address and some simple questions on your personal health.
 
 

What can you expect to happen?

Your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and weight will be checked and recorded.  A sample of your blood, a pinprick to be exact, will be taken from your finger to measure the volume of the red blood cells.
 
 

Once qualified, you will be sent to a donation area where you will be made comfortable.  The inside area of your elbow will be swabbed with an antiseptic solution.
 
 

A new sterile needle attached to a sterile bag will be opened and inserted into the vein and your blood will flow into the sterile bag.  In less than ten minutes it is all over, a unit of blood is collected and the needle removed and discarded.  A few minutes rest is recommended and refreshment will be served to provide quick energy.
 
 
 
 

Things to remember

 

	Have a good meal and freshen up before you give blood.  you can donate blood every three months.
	Persons with malaria, hepatitis, diabetes, hypertension, HIV, AIDS, or persons who have had surgery in the last  year, or delivered a baby in the last 6 months must not donate blood.
	The National Blood Transfusion Service relies on the support of regular donors. Without your commitment we would not be here, nor would a lot of other people

Blood is tested, processed, labeled and checked before it can be issued to hospitals.
Donate regularly so the National Blood Transfusion Service always has stocks for an emergency.

Giving Blood stimulates the bone morrow to make new cells, makes you healthier and  vigorous.

Giving blood is a complete health check
 
 

Contact: The National Blood Transfusion Centre Georgetown Hospital Compound New Market Street, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 592-2-54972 Open 7 days a week 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.