Become a blood donor – save lives with a few deciliters of your blood

Here you will find out why blood donation is so important, what blood is used for, how it is done – and what is most needed in the blood bank right now.

Why is it important to donate blood?

Blood cannot be manufactured synthetically – it must come from voluntary donors. Without regular blood donations, healthcare would not function. The need is particularly great in the case of:

• Major surgeries and accidents
• Childbirth complications
• Cancer treatments
• Blood diseases (such as leukemia or anemia)
• Premature babies

In Sweden, around 1,440 blood bags are used every day - which corresponds to around 650 liters of blood needed every day in healthcare, all year round.

How do you become a blood donor?

Becoming a blood donor is easy and safe. You register via geblod.nu and you will be called to a blood center for an examination. There, samples are taken to ensure that you are healthy enough to donate blood and do not carry any blood-borne infections.

There are some basic requirements to become a blood donor:

• You must be 18–60 years old
• Weigh at least 50 kg
• Be in good general health
• Have valid identification

During your second visit, the actual blood donation takes place, which only takes about 10 minutes. Afterwards, you will be allowed to rest for a while and given something to eat and drink.

What is the blood used for?

Your blood can save several lives. Blood is often divided into three components:

• Red blood cells – used for bleeding, surgery and anemia
• Blood plasma – important for burns, liver diseases and bleeding disorders
• Platelets (thrombocytes) – used for cancer treatments and blood diseases

In this way, a single blood donation can help up to three different patients.

Which blood group is needed most?

All blood groups are needed – but some are especially important for emergency medical care:

• Blood group 0 negative (0−) is called the “universal donor” because it can be given to anyone, regardless of the recipient’s blood group. It is life-saving in accidents when you don't have time to check the patient's blood type.
• Blood types A+ and 0+ are the most common in Sweden – and are therefore often in demand.

Blood is a perishable product and also has a limited shelf life, red blood cells last for about 6 weeks and platelets only last for 5–7 days. That is why new blood donors are constantly needed – especially before major holidays, vacations and during flu seasons.

Make a difference – become a blood donor today

Giving blood is a simple, concrete and vital act. It takes less than an hour – but can save someone else's life. Read more and register at geblod.nu .

Are you an employer? Do like us at Testmottagningen.se and give employees the opportunity to donate blood during working hours, read more about how it works here .