After reading the below kindly
click here to read further eligibility guidelines in relation to Covid-19.
IDENTIFICATION
Identification with a Maltese ID card, Maltese Driving License or Maltese Passport, e-Residence Card for foreigners or Diplomatic Card in cases of diplomats.
AGE
To be eligible to donate for the first time, one has to be between 17 years and 65 years;
17-year-old persons are allowed to donate with
parent/legal guardian consent. This form has to be duly filled and signed by either parents / legal guardians. A new consent form has to be presented by the donor each time s/ he comes to donate blood until s/ he reaches the age of 18 years.
Regular donors above 65 years and until their 70th birthday may donate, but the intervals between donations should not exceed one year. New donors above 65 years are not accepted.
WEIGHT
The minimum required weight is 50kg.
In the case of female donors weighing between 50kg and 65kg , the minimum required weight is calculated according to the donors height to ensure that there is sufficient total blood volume.
FREQUENCY OF DONATION
Females can donate every four months;
Males can donate every three months;
Females who are post menopausal (no menstruation for the previous year) may also donate every three months.
HEALTH
Donor must be in general good health and recently not suffering from any serious illness.
Persons on medication should present the names of the medication to the doctor (it is advisable that individuals on medication to first phone on freephone: 80074313 or on 22066201 to speak to one of our doctors).
Persons who were born in Malaria endemic countries cannot donate blood (one can speak to one of our doctors by phoning 80074313 or 22066201 for advice.
MEDICAL SCREENINGA
medical questionnaire is discussed and completed with the medical officer to determine if one may donate or not. This is done under strict confidentiality, as donor's honesty is very important.
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Be Prepared
Thank you for your interest in donating blood.
Following are some guidelines donors should know or do prior to attending any blood donation centre.
It is important to note that the process of blood donation is not traumatic at all on a healthy human body, so if you decide to donate, simply relax, take it easy, it’s a simple process.
Feeling Unwell/Sick
If you have fever, sore throat or flu-like symptoms (within the last 2 weeks),or has suffered from diarrhoea (within the last 4 weeks), the donor is to avoid coming to donate blood.
If you are receiving any treatment, we advise you to contact the doctors at NBTS to discuss with them whether you are eligible for donation or not.
Clothing
Avoid wearing tight clothing around your neck, waist and arms when coming to donate blood.
Donors are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing, such as a short sleeved top (under other clothing in winter). This facilitates proper blood pressure measurment ans ubsequent blood donation.
Food and Drinks
Make sure you have had a healthy breakfast or lunch before coming. Blood should never be donated on an empty stomach as you might feel a bit dizzy.
Please avoid eating fatty foods like pizzas, cheesecakes and junk food, prior to a blood donation.
It is very important that you start drinking before coming to donate blood, preferably water. Alcohol should not be consumed on the day of the donation.
We do offer snacks and refreshments to whoever attends, and emphasis the fact that donors should help themselves to our drinks before the donation, so go ahead!!
Our friendly staff will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible during the process, so if you lack anything, simply ask.
Giving birth
If you gave birth, leave 6 months after delivery before coming to donate blood. Breast feeding mothers are advised not to give blood at least 3 months after stopping. If the Heamoglobin level is acceptable, then the donor may donate.
Tattoo and Body Piercing
If you have done a tattoo or any body piercing lately, leave 4 months from when it was made before coming to donate blood.
Exams
If you are planning to sit for any exams, postpone the date to come and donate blood until you're ready.
Other
It is advisable not to donate blood after a night duty.
Covid-19
Kindly
click here to read further eligibility guidelines in relation to Covid-19
Collection Centres
Blood may be donated at the following
blood collection centres.
After the Donation
Drinking
Make sure that you keep on drinking regularly for the rest of the day. During Summer one needs more fluid replacement because of the warm weather.
Alcohol should not be consumed for the rest of the day.
Sports
On the day of your donation, avoid strenuous activity e.g. brisk walking or running, avoid weight lifting for the first 3 days after donation.
Avoid swimming or staying in the sun.
Do not go scuba diving for 3 days following blood donation.
Going abroad
If you want to donate blood before going abroad make sure you come at least 3 days before the flight.
If you had any vaccinations before going abroad it is advised to contact the NBTS doctors to discuss whether you are eligible or not before coming to donate blood.
If you travelled during the past year it is advisable to contact us on 22066201 or 79307307 or free phone 80074313 before coming to donate blood.
Others
During the day of the donation, do not use heavy machinery, avoid housework including ironing, avoid going up a ladder.
Avoid smoking during the first 2 hours after you donate blood.
Take some time for yourself and relax, you deserve it. Your body needs some time to replenish the blood you donated. You need to drink a lot to replace the volume donated. During summer one has to bear in mind that you need more fluid replacement because of the hot weather.
For further information you can have a look at our
questionnaire and
FAQ's or you can call us on 79307307 or 22066201 or free phone 80074313
Feel good about yourself, you have just saved a life.