Why donate blood? There is tremendous demand for blood in hospitals. Many patients die because they are not able to cope with the loss of blood. The blood donated is used to: Replace blood lost during injury as in accidents. Replace blood loss during major surgeries. Help patients with blood disorders like haemophilia survive. Help burnt patients receive plasma that may be critical for their survival. Raise haemoglobin levels (through transfusions) in patients with chronic ailments like kidney diseases, cancer and anaemia. Who can donate blood? Some basic health conditions have to be met by donors. A donor should: Be above 18 years and below 60 years of age. Have a haemoglobin count that is not less than 12.5 g/dl Weigh not less than 45 kgs. Have normal body temperature at the time of donation. Have normal blood pressure at the time of donation. Should be free of any disease at the time of donation. The donor should not have taken any medicine in the last 48 hours.