Donating blood is a simple yet life- saving act that takes only takes a few minutes but can benefit multiple lives. While most donors are familiar with the donation process itself, few are aware of what happens after the blood leaves the collection area.
At RoyalCare Super Speciality Hospital, we want every donor to know how their contribution is managed. This guide offers a clear, step-by-step look at how your donated blood is used to help patients in need.
Step 1: Collection with Safety and Care
Your blood is collected using sterile, single-use equipment by trained professionals. In platelet donations (SDP), a specialized machine selectively extracts only platelets and returns the other components to your body during the same procedure. Every donated unit is assigned a unique tracking code ensuring safety and traceability throughout the process
Step 2: Testing and Screening
After collection, your blood undergoes several laboratory tests to ensure it is safe for transfusion. These include:
- Blood group (ABO and Rh factor)
- Screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, and Malaria
- Hemoglobin levels and complete blood count
If screening detects any health risks, the blood is safely discarded, and the donor is informed confidentially.
Step 3: Separation into Components
Each blood donation is separated into three essential components, maximizing its life-saving potential
- Red Blood Cells : Help treat anemia and blood loss
- Plasma : Used for clotting issues and burn treatment
- Platelets : Vital for cancer patients, surgical recovery, and dengue
A single blood donation can benefit up to three individuals.
Step 4: Storage and Transport
Each component has a specific storage guideline:
- Red cells are stored for up to 42 days at 2 to 6°C
- Platelets are stored for up to 5 days at 20 to 24°C
- Plasma can be frozen and preserved for up to a year,ensuring availability for critical treatments.
The blood bank delivers components to departments and patients based on hospital needs and medical urgency.
Step 5: Transfusion and Use
Donated blood may be used for:
- Emergency trauma cases
- Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Premature infants
- Patients with bleeding disorders or after childbirth
- People with chronic conditions such as thalassemia
For platelet donations, one SDP unit provides a full adult dose, often used in ICUs or oncology.
Step 6: Impact of Your Donation
While you may never meet the recipient, your donation becomes part of their recovery. It supports critical care and often gives patients a renewed chance at life.
Platelet Donation (SDP)
Platelet donation involves apheresis, which:
- Is safe and relatively quick (60–90 minutes)
- Allows up to 24 donations per year
- Returns plasma and red cells to your body
- Is often requested for patients needing immediate platelet transfusion
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria |
Requirement |
| Age |
18 to 55 years |
| Weight |
Above 55 kg |
| Hemoglobin |
Minimum 12.5 g/dL |
| Platelet count (for SDP) |
Above 2,00,000 per microlitre |
| Medications |
No aspirin or NSAIDs 48 hours before |
| General health |
No active illness or infection |
| Diet |
Avoid fatty or spicy food before donation |
All donors undergo a short pre-donation health check to ensure safety.
Donor Benefits
Blood donation also benefits the donor by:
- Regulating iron levels
- Stimulating production of new blood cells
- Providing early detection of potential health issues
- Offering a sense of social contribution
At RoyalCare, we manage every step of your donation with precision and responsibility. Your blood is put to immediate use where it matters most. Whether you’re a first-time donor or a regular volunteer, your role is invaluable.
If you are eligible, we invite you to donate blood or platelets and be a part of this life-saving chain. Your single act of kindness can mean the world to someone in need.
