Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much is in a donation?
A. A unit of blood is 470 mls, just under a pint. The average person has
between 8 and 12 pints and can easily spare one.
Q. How long does it take for my body to replace the donation?
A. Your body will replace the liquid part of the donation within 24 hours.
Red cells usually need at least 8 weeks for complete replacement.
Q. How will I feel after the donation?
A. Most people feel great and can resume normal activities straight away.
Q. I haven't felt well since I made my donation yesterday - I think
I might be coming down with the 'flu - what should I do?
A. If for any reason you feel unwell post donation, please get in touch with
us directly. You can call us at any time on 01/4322800 or if you are a
donor in the Munster Region you can contact the Munster Centre at
021/4807400.
Q. Can I donate during my menstrual period?
A. Yes, if you’re feeling well.
Q. Can I donate if I am on the pill?
A. Yes
Q. Can I donate if I am on HRT?
A. Yes
Q. Can I donate if I have diabetes?
A. If you are an insulin dependent diabetic, you are not eligible to donate.
Q. My GP has put me on a long term antibiotic for acne, can I still
donate?
A. Certain kinds of antibiotic are used to treat acne over a long period. It
depends on the kind of antibiotic you have been prescribed. Contact us at
info@ibts.ie if you want to check if your prescription will prevent you from
donating.
Q. How soon after donating can I practice sports?
A. After you give blood, you will relax and have some refreshments. You
can then resume normal activity, as long as you feel well. We advise
against participation in any sports or hazardous hobbies on the day of
donation. You should also avoid other forms of strenuous activity such as
heavy lifting, pushing or picking up heavy objects on the day of donation.
Q. Can I get AIDS from donating blood?
A. No. You cannot get AIDS or any other disease by giving blood. The
materials used for your donation are new, sterile and disposable and are
used only once for your donation.
Q. I recently had acupuncture treatment - can I still donate?
A. The condition for which acupuncture treatment is being received must
not be a condition that would exclude you from donating.
Did You Know

Human blood travels 60,000 miles per day on its journey through
the arteries, arterioles and capillaries and back through the venules
and veins.

The most common blood group is O, accounting for about 46% of
the world's population. However, in some areas other blood groups
predominate, in Norway for example, type A is the most prevalent.

7% of a person's body weight is made up of blood.

The minimum age for donating blood is eighteen.

The maximum age for donating blood is 65 (or 60 if you are a first
time donor)

You can donate every 90 days.

The most common blood group in Ireland is O positive (47% of the
population)

The rarest blood group in Ireland is AB negative (1% of the
population)

One in four people will need a blood transfusion at some point in
their lives

Only 5% of the population are regular blood donors

People who have lived in the United Kingdom for an accumulative
period of 5 years between 1980 and 1996 are not eligible to give
blood.

A unit of blood lasts for just 35 days.

An average adult has between 10 and 12 pints of blood

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body

Blood carries carbon dioxide and other waste products back to the
lungs, kidneys and liver for disposal

There are about 1 billion red cells in two to three drops of blood

1 in 4 people will need a transfusion at some point in their lives

Over 1,000 Irish people receive transfusions every week in Ireland

One car accident victim may require up to 30 units of blood, a
bleeding ulcer could require anything between 3-30 units of blood
and a coronary artery bypass may use between 1-5 units of blood.

Approximately 70,000 patients will have transfusions in Irish
hospitals this year

3,000 blood donors are needed each week in Ireland

The IBTS supplies 71 hospitals in Ireland with blood and blood
products 365 days a year

People in the West of Ireland are predominantly of blood group O

There is a higher concentration of Group A blood in counties which
historically received Viking, Anglo Norman and English population
settlements

There are more people with Rhesus negative blood on the East
coast than the West