The need for blood components in the public health system does not stop and the District Blood Bank IDCBIS, linked to the District Health Secretariat of Bogota, has taken some actions to maintain reserves that will improve the lives of many patients.

Those interested who register in the following form will be contacted to be scheduled and picked up at their homes. They will be able to make the donation at the headquarters of the IDCBIS District Blood Bank, and once the process is completed, they will be taken back to their homes.

One of the most frequently asked questions due to the current situation in coronavirus control is: is donating blood safe? The answer is yes.

The professionals of the District Blood Bank follow biosafety standards such as the use of gloves, gowns, caps and masks; the supplies are sterile and the donation areas are constantly disinfected. These measures are not new, as they have always been essential in the collection process.

Additionally, crowds are avoided at the donation points and any doubts that may arise during telephone or email contact with donors are solved. There are also open channels of communication with the public on social networks: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as @IDCBIS.

The donations that have been made so far are of great importance, since they allow maintaining reserves of vital blood components for patients in public hospitals in the district. Different clinical situations such as complications in childbirth, treatment of serious blood diseases, surgeries, among others, require blood components in certain conditions.

The call for generous, supportive and altruistic blood donors is extended so that we can face the decrease in the collection due to the measures that are being carried out in the capital.

Donation requirements

- Men can donate every 3 months and women every 4 months.

- Present an identification document

- Be between 18 and 65 years old

- Minimum weight 50 kilos

- Not having had flu symptoms such as: fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, in the last 15 days.

- Not having suffered from hepatitis after 10 years of age

- Not having ingested antibiotics in the last 15 days

- Not having ingested antiparasitics in the last 30 days.

- If you have tattoos, permanent makeup or piercings, more than 6 months have passed since their application.

- Not pregnant

- If you are breastfeeding, that your son or daughter is older than one year.

Myths of blood donation

- Fear of lowered defenses

Blood donation has no negative effect on the immune system. 

- Fear of gaining or losing weight

The act of donation is not related to weight change. However, the person believes that in order to replenish the extracted blood, he/she must increase food intake, which is not necessary.

As a recommendation, a balanced diet rich in iron-containing foods should be followed after donating.

- Fear of becoming anemic

Hemoglobin is tested prior to donation. Red blood cells are replenished in approximately 120 days.

It is recommended that the donor complies with the established times between each donation and eats a balanced diet.

Fear of fainting or becoming weak

Normally the body compensates for the volume of blood withdrawn, if the person is in good health and complies with the donation requirements and has no physiological alterations.

It is recommended to drink at least 400 ml of water before the donation and to continue drinking enough liquids on the day of the donation.