Is it safe to donate blood?

The brochure from the South African National Blood Services provides more insight on the safety of blood donations.

I would like to quote from the “Blood –The Life Saver” brochure:

“You can’t get AIDS from donating blood. All needles and fingerprick lancets are new, sterile and only used once. After use, each lancet and needle is placed in a special medical waste container and is incinerated. Trained staff collects all blood donations and very strict protocols are followed to ensure that all blood donation procedures are safe and hygienic.”
Who are the safest donors?

“Voluntary, non-remunerated (unpaid) donors who give blood regularly are the safest blood donors. Research from many countries shows that people who give blood freely and without reward have little reason to conceal information about their lifestyle that may make them unsuitable to give blood, either temporarily or permanently. Their primary motivation is to help other people and not to obtain any personal benefit, except the satisfaction of knowing they have helped to save a life.

The life of the person who received blood depends on the honesty of donors who have given their blood.”

Also view on the Arrive Alive website

• Blood Safety

and previous blog posts:

• Where does the blood from donors go?
• What are the main blood groups?