Its simple, blood is highly essential to the human body, especially for those who need a blood transfusion. It would be great if blood is readily available to those who need it, but it's not. Blood can not be readily produced or manufactured, and it can only be stored for a limited time. With these two restrictions in mind, there is a need for regular blood donation to ensure that no life is lost due to the unavailability of safe blood.

Also, according to the Department of Health (DOH): "Blood supplies can vary depending on the region and time of year. As donor qualifications continue to become stricter and as the donor population ages, our nation is at risk of a low blood supply." So if you are eligible to donate, YOU are highly encouraged to be a blood donor.

Source:https://doh.gov.ph/node/1432

Lifestream was created with the idea of making blood bags and donors become more accessible to those who need them. Registering as a donor in Lifestream is one of the important steps needed for us to achieve that goal. Registering as a donor in Lifestream simply makes you easier to be reached by those who really need your help.

Having been carried out for how many years, blood donation and transfusion have always been carried out with the welfare of both the blood donor and blood receiver in mind. Blood donation is performed in a highly controlled, sterile environment where all equipment that is in contact with the donor's blood is used only once, eliminating the possibility of any infection during the process.

According to the Department of Health (DOH) website, those who meet these basic requirements are classified as potential blood donors:
• Weight: At least 110 lbs (50 kg).
• Blood volume collected will depend mainly on your body weight.
• Pulse rate: Between 60 and 100 beats/minute with a regular rhythm.
• Blood pressure: Between 90 and 160 systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic.
• Hemoglobin: At least 125 g/L.

Source: https://doh.gov.ph/node/1449

According to the Department of Health (DOH) website, there are certain conditions that prevent a person from being eligible to donate blood temporarily or permanently. These conditions include:
• Pregnancy
• Acute fever
• Recent alcoholic intake
• Ear or body piercing and tattooing
• Surgery

Also, people with the following conditions are not allowed to donate blood anytime:
• Cancer
• Cardiac disease
• Severe lung disease
• Hepatitis B and C
• HIV infection, AIDS or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
• High-risk occupation (e.g. prostitution)
• Unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg over 6 months
• Chronic alcoholism
• Other conditions or diseases stated in the Guide to Medical Assessment of Blood Donors.

Source: https://doh.gov.ph/node/1436

You do not have to worry about anything after donating blood. The only thing recommended of you is to drink extra fluid and avoid strenuous activity for the next five (5) hours. These mentioned steps are highly needed for you to follow to allow fast recovery after donating blood.

In the event that a blood donor is needed by a patient who is using the Lifestream platform, you will be contacted if you are fit as a candidate using the contact details that you fill in the registration form.

By the next time you are contacted through your contact details and already made up your mind, you can simply tell us to deregister you in our list of blood donors/ Lifestreamers.

Yes, there will be no spam calls, emails, and texts and the only ones who have access to your contact details are the blood banks and hospitals who can contact you if they deem you a possible candidate for a blood donation.