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Why is it important for me to give blood?

Donating blood is an active way of helping others and the whole of society.

For you, it's just a few moments out of your day but for patients in need, it may save their life.

Specialist medical staff are on hand at all times during the donation, which is a simple, safe and painless procedure. There is no risk for donors of giving blood, and it may help patients in Catalonia recover more quickly.

Donations - the only way of obtaining blood

Despite medical and technological advances, blood cannot currently be made. The only way of getting hold of it is via blood donations from people who give blood.

Each donation may help up to three different people

Because each blood donation provides three different blood components, each with its own role in treating patients, it helps up to three different people.

Blood and its components have a limited life

Red blood cell concentrates can be kept for 42 days
Plasma can be stored for a year
Platelets can be kept for five days

Blood is used every day: every three seconds someone needs blood in Catalonia

Because the need for blood is constant, so is the need for donations. Every day, all the hospitals and clinics in Catalonia need blood and blood components to treat patients, since most surgical interventions and a great number of medical procedures require blood transfusions.

Giving blood - part of our routine

We don't just need to give blood in the event of tragedies or emergencies. Instead, it should be a normal and routine part of our lives. Regular blood donations mean that there will be sufficient amounts of safe blood in stock.

Remember that men can give blood up to four times a year - women up to three times -providing there are at least two months between donations.

Blood use is growing

Transfusions of blood and blood components have become an essential part of healthcare today. The increase in life expectancy, the creation of specialist intensive-care units, and the essential and ongoing needs of certain patients suffering diseases that were previously considered to be incurable, mean that the demand for blood continues to grow.

Did you know...

45.4% of respondents donated blood out of a sense of altruism and solidarity, while 19.8% did so because a relative or friend needed it

Any questions? Call us and we’ll be happy to help. 93 557 35 00 - atencioaldonant(ELIMINAR)@bst.cat