It is an emergency for blood supplies in the hospitals of Rome and Lazio. August is traditionally one of the most delicate periods: holiday departures and the heat cause donations to decrease throughout the territory, while the need for blood for accidents, surgeries and therapies remains constant in hospitals. And this free gesture can make the difference between life and death.
Even the Roman local health authorities have relaunched the appeal to citizens. The ASL Roma 1 reminded us that summer supplies are reduced and that donations are essential especially for oncology and hematology patients, as well as for emergency room and surgery activities. Among the initiatives planned for September is the extraordinary collection organized by Adnkronos and Avis Roma for Thursday 10 September, from 8.30am, in Piazza Mastai, in Trastevere. In the square there will be a blood truck with healthcare personnel to welcome citizens who want to donate.
The requirements
To donate you must be of age, weigh at least 50 kilos and be in good health. Generally, donations are made between the ages of 18 and 65, while for those who present for the first time after the age of 60, suitability is assessed by the doctor. Periodic donors, in some cases, can continue until age 70.
Before the blood sample, a questionnaire is filled out and a medical examination is carried out, which is necessary to establish eligibility.
Do you have to be fasting?
Contrary to a widespread false myth, it is not recommended to show up completely fasting. Before donating, a light breakfast of tea, coffee, fruit juice or low-sweetened juice, toast with jam or dry biscuits is preferable. However, milk and dairy products should be avoided. After the donation you can have a more abundant breakfast. It is important to drink a lot, avoid alcohol and not undergo intense physical exertion. It is also recommended not to lift weights with the arm used for the sampling, not to practice intense sport and not to smoke for the following two hours.
How often can you donate
There must be a minimum interval of 90 days between two whole blood donations. Men and women not of childbearing age can generally receive up to four donations per year, while for women of childbearing age the number is lower. For plasma and platelets the intervals may be shorter and are established based on the type of donation and medical evaluation.
In which cases is donation not recommended?
There are several cases in which a temporary suspension is foreseen. These include dental care, antibiotic therapies, recent fever, tattoos, piercings, surgery, some trips abroad and infectious risk behaviors. For tattoos and piercings, for example, the suspension is generally four months. After a pregnancy or childbirth, however, it is necessary to wait several months.
Definitive exclusions are foreseen in the presence of some infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, and certain severe chronic pathologies. However, the final decision on suitability always rests with the blood transfusion service doctor.
Where to donate in Rome
In addition to the initiative on 10 September in Piazza Mastai, in Rome it is possible to donate throughout the year in the main transfusion centres, including Santo Spirito, San Filippo Neri, Sandro Pertini, Sant’Eugenio and the GB Grassi hospital in Ostia. To book the day and time of the donation, contact the blood transfusion service or the relevant donor association. The Lazio Region also publishes the updated calendar of blood banks and extraordinary collections in the area.
Finally, for employees there is an important protection: those who donate blood have the right to the paid day of rest provided by law. The appeal for September is therefore aimed at both regular donors and those who have never donated. After the summer decline, replenishing blood supplies can be decisive in saving numerous lives.
