Blood donation in UAE – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah

Ever since I came to the UAE I wanted to donate blood. Either the fear of giving or the lack of information regarding where to donate, prevented me from donating. Well, the giving fear seems ok, but an excuse for not knowing where to donate is indeed lame!

I have been in the UAE for more than 7 years and not once have I donated blood, but for the occasional blood samples for my Medical tests for getting a visa!  Although I have been very close to donating, I must say, I havent donated even a drop of blood anytime., be it in UAE or back home in India. My excuse is that I am O+ve, which is one of the common blood groups around, and there abundant blood available and donated from my group! I’m still not certain if it’s true. (Updated: As of today I have given blood only a couple of times 🙁 till now)

With so many things happening around like floods, earthquakes, accidents etc… and at an alarming rate, I guess there is an ever rising demand for blood, be it in any group. Being in the UAE we see more of road accidents than other problems. Still blood is required. They also say that once you give blood, the body refurbishes the same amount in no time. So dont worry, you will not loose anything but gain Pure New Blood!

So what are you waiting for? Start from now! Start donating blood. It could saves precious lives! Wouldn’t it be great to know your blood saved someone?

We are always used to taking, now lets start giving!

If you have a rare blood group, please donate frequently (according to the guidelines for donating).

Please find below the Blood collection centers in the UAE.

DUBAI

Blood Donation Centre (BDC), Al Wasl Hospital
Call: 04 2192331
Time: Sun- Thurs 7:30am – 6:00pm

To host a blood drive:
Call: 04 2193338

Al Baraha Hospital
Call: 2710000

ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi Blood Bank
Call: 02 6656508
Time: Sun- Thurs 7:00am – 8:30pm
Sat: 8:00am – 1:00pm

In Ramadan, check your nearest mosque after Iftar for blood donation buses or call 02 656 8811 for information.

SHARJAH

Sharjah Blood Transfuion and Research Center
Call: 06 5582111
Time: Sun – Thurs 7:30am – 7:30pm
Sat: 7:30am – 1:30pm

To organise a campaign of 40+ people, call 06 5582111

AL AIN

Blood Bank, Al Tawam Hospital
Call: 03 7075212

BloodDonors.ae is a helpful resource for both donors and recipients. You can either register as a donor and keep track of upcoming blood drives via the site. Those in need of blood can make requests and access the donor database.

DOS AND DON’TS FOR BLOOD DONORS

Here is a list of ideal donors and those who may be deferred temporarily or permanently from donating blood.

Those who can donate blood should:

• Be residents of the UAE
• Be between the ages of 17 and 60
• Have a minimum weight of 45kg
• Not have donated blood in the last 90 days
• Not be suffering from any infectious diseases, influenza or taking antibiotics

Those who can never donate their blood are:

• Hepatitis B and C patients
• HIV positive patients
• Diabetics who are insulin or pill dependent. However, those who can control sugar levels through diet and exercise can donate
• Alcoholics and drug addicts

Temporary deferrals on people who:

• Have had dental work done in the last five weeks
• Are taking antibiotics
• Have smoked or consumed alcohol in the last 72 hours
• Have had tattoos or ear piercing done in the present year
• Pregnant women
• Anaemic patients who can replenish their haemoglobin can come back for donation later

When you visit a camp for donation, you should have:

• Had plenty of fluids
• Eaten nutritious food
• Had a good night’s sleep
• Refrained from smoking or drinking

At the centre, they’ll register you as a donor, take a quick medical history, do a medical examination, get you to donate and finally provide you with a place for brief rest and some refreshments to replenish your energy.

After donation

• You must continue to lie on the bed with your feet raised above the level of your body for ten minutes
• Leave the bandage on for four hours
• Drink extra fluids for the next three days, especially the first four hours after donation
• Have a protein-rich diet and take adequate rest, which means not taking extra stress of work or driving a vehicle

Well I hope the above points don’t keep you from donating blood. These are just guidelines so that the donor and recipient are safe.

Make it a point that this weekend you donate blood.