Wampiriada – Vampire Feast (every drop counts)
The National Student Association has initiated a nationwide campaign for blood donation. It is an information and promotion action which spreads the idea of regular blood donation among university students around the country.
The action’s website www.wampiriada.pl contains information on the importance of blood donation, the value of blood to patients dependent on blood, plasma and blood-based medicines and explains the way to join in. There you will find FAQ and answers which inform who can become a blood donor, who can receive blood, how to prepare for the donation. Those who would like to help but are afraid of needles can find comforting information for the anxious.
The site is in Polish only, but your fellow students will tell you exactly what to do, so do not delay your decision. Make sure you comply with the rules on vaccinations and tropical diseases. Do not give blood if you have a health problem, low hemoglobin, if you are on medication (e.g. antibiotics), if you have recently had piercing or a tattoo. You have to be over 18 and hold a photo ID. You will be qualified by the doctor supervising the process. If you have diabetes or a genetic disease you will not qualify, though.
In the process you loose of blood which quickly reproduces. If you drink enough water and rest for a while there should not be any side effects.
General information on blood donation provides Wikipedia:
The amount of blood drawn and the methods vary. The collection can be done manually or with automated equipment that only takes specific portions of the blood. Most of the components of blood used for transfusions have a short shelf life, and maintaining a constant supply is a persistent problem.
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The blood is drawn from a large arm vein close to the skin, usually the median cubital vein on the inside of the elbow. The skin over the blood vessel is cleaned with an antiseptic such as iodine or chlorhexidine to prevent skin bacteria from contaminating the collected blood and also to prevent infections where the needle pierced the donor's skin.
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A large needle (16 to 17 gauge) is used to minimize shearing forces that may physically damage red blood cells as they flow through the needle. A tourniquet is sometimes wrapped around the upper arm to increase the pressure of the blood in the arm veins and speed up the process. The donor may also be prompted to hold an object and squeeze it repeatedly to increase the blood flow through the vein.
