Blood donation
Honorary blood donation is a key element of the PCK's activities. The promotion of this noble initiative through campaigns and other activities aims to increase the number of blood donors, raise social awareness about blood donation, and ensure a constant supply of blood for those in need.
General information
Voluntary blood donation is a key element of the Polish Red Cross's activities. Promoting this noble initiative through campaigns and other activities aims to increase the number of blood donors, raise public awareness of blood donation and ensure a constant supply of blood for those in need.
Blood donation is an act of solidarity and support for people whose lives depend on access to this valuable resource. Each donation can save the lives of people after accidents, cancer patients or patients waiting for surgery. Voluntary blood donation contributes to building a sense of social security and also provides the ability to monitor one's own health - each donor undergoes regular blood tests. The decision to donate blood is therefore not only helping others, but also a way to take care of yourself and strengthen public health.
Why is it worth becoming a blood donor?
Donating blood is one of the most noble and simple ways we can help others. Every donation can save a life, and regular blood donation contributes to saving the health of hundreds of people each year.
One of the biggest reasons to donate blood is the direct opportunity to save lives. Your blood can go to people involved in accidents, patients with cancer, women during complicated deliveries, or patients awaiting surgery. You never know who and when will need this precious gift.
By donating blood, you care not only for the lives of others but also for your own health. Every donation is an opportunity for free medical tests and monitoring your overall health status. Blood donors regularly have their blood count checked, which allows early detection of potential health problems. Additionally, after donating blood, you receive a Blood Donor Honorary Card, which records your test results and blood type – incredibly valuable information in emergencies. This card can be obtained after your first donation, making it not just a practical document but also a symbol of commitment to helping others.
The Honorary Blood Donor (ZHDK) is entitled to a number of important privileges. Those who have received this title can purchase selected medications at discounted prices or receive them for free, provided that a suitable prescription is issued by a doctor. Moreover, ZHDK have the right to access healthcare and pharmaceutical services out of turn – just by showing their card. In many cities, Honored Blood Donors can also enjoy discounts on public transportation if they have donated the required amount of blood or its components. These conveniences are a gesture of appreciation for their selfless help and commitment.
After donating blood, you will see that it is truly worth becoming a blood donor!
Honorary Blood Donor
A deserving Honorary Blood Donor (ZHDK) is entitled to several important privileges. After receiving this title, one can purchase selected medications at a discount or receive them for free based on a prescription from a doctor. Additionally, ZHDK has the right to access healthcare and pharmaceutical services out of turn, upon presenting their ID card. In many cities, deserving donors can also count on discounts in public transportation after donating an appropriate amount of blood or its components.
Leave from work on the day when donating blood and during the period of medical examination for blood donors according to the rules specified in separate regulations, reimbursement of lost earnings based on the provisions from labor law.
Reimbursement of travel costs to the Blood Donation and Hemotherapy Center under the rules specified in the regulations concerning allowances and other entitlements related to business trips within the country, the travel costs will be covered by the Center.
Recovery meal after donating blood or its components with an energy value of 4500 kcal.
People with rare blood types and those who have undergone immunization procedures or other procedures prior to donation in order to obtain plasma or diagnostic serums are additionally entitled to a monetary equivalent for the donated blood and related procedures. This is a form of compensation for the special contribution and involvement in the process of obtaining valuable blood components.
Possibility of deducting donations for blood donation purposes in a given tax year, every blood donor can obtain free results of their laboratory tests.
Permanent Disqualification
Absolute contraindications to blood donation! Donating blood requires meeting a number of health conditions to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. There are serious health contraindications that permanently disqualify the possibility of donating blood. Below is a list of diseases and situations that absolutely disqualify a blood donor due to the potential risk to the health of others.
-
belonging to groups that, due to their sexual behaviors, are particularly at risk for infections with serious diseases that can be transmitted through blood, including: drug addicts, prostitutes, individuals who frequently change sexual partners
- infectious diseases: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, viral hepatitis in history, foodborne jaundice and any jaundice of unclear etiology, babesiosis, kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), Trypanosoma Cruzi – Chagas disease, actinomycosis, tularemia, HTLV I/II – a retrovirus considered a factor causing leukemia/T-cell lymphoma in adults – endemic in southern Japan and the Caribbean basin
-
current or past cardiovascular diseases: heart defects – except for completely healed congenital defects, ischemic heart disease, status post-myocardial infarction, heart failure, significant atherosclerosis, vascular-cerebral diseases – e.g. status post-stroke
-
severe skin diseases (including psoriasis)
-
blood and hematopoietic system diseases, clotting disorders in the history
-
metabolic and endocrine system diseases, e.g. diabetes, thyroid diseases, adrenal diseases, etc.
-
systemic diseases, e.g. collagenoses
-
malignant tumors
-
HIV virus carrier and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
-
residing in areas of endemic malaria for a continuous period of 6 months if the results of tests for malaria conducted 4 months after returning are positive
-
people with sexual partners from the above-mentioned groups
- drug dependence, alcoholism
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the individual or in the family
- syphilis
- undergoing corneal or dura mater transplant, treatment in the years 1958-1986 with growth hormone obtained from human pituitaries
-
residing for a period from 01.01.1980 to 31.12.1996 for a total of 6 months or longer in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland
- mental disorders and behavioral disorders caused by the use of psychotropic substances
- any instance of using drugs intramuscularly or intravenously that were not prescribed by a doctor
Disqualification for a specific period
Blood donation may be temporarily deferred in various health situations and procedures that affect the safety of the donor and the recipient of the blood. The temporary contraindications listed below specify the minimum period after which a person may requalify to donate blood. Adhering to these guidelines helps prevent potential hazards and maintain high standards of blood donation safety.
- menstrual period and up to 3 days after its conclusion
- 7 days after tooth extraction, root canal treatment, and other minor surgical procedures
to the next day after dental treatment and a visit to the dental hygienist - 6 months for major surgeries and other medical procedures performed using reusable equipment that breach the skin or mucous membranes
- 6 months after getting a tattoo, acupuncture, ear piercing, etc.
- 6 months from endoscopy, gastroscopy (stomach examination), bronchoscopy (bronchial examination), rectoscopy (rectal examination), colonoscopy
time until full recovery in the case of acute diseases: (e.g., gastrointestinal, urinary, respiratory system) - period when blood pressure is not within the range of 90/60 to 180/100 mm Hg
- 2 years after being cured of tuberculosis and receiving a certificate of cure from a physician
inflammatory and allergic skin diseases, acute allergic conditions, and desensitization period, exacerbation of chronic allergic disease - 1 year after completing treatment for gonorrhea
- 6 months after returning from countries with a high incidence of AIDS (Central and West Africa, Thailand)
- the appearance of symptoms suggesting AIDS such as: (chronic enlargement of lymph nodes – especially cervical, nuchal, supraclavicular, and axillary, night sweats, unexplained fever, unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea)
- atypical skin changes disqualify until their cause is clarified
- 6 months after returning from areas where tropical diseases are endemic if no symptoms of disease occurred during this period (persons returning from areas at risk: cholera, yellow fever, Chagas disease)
- 12 months after returning from areas where malaria is endemic, if no symptoms of disease occurred during this period (4 months provided negative results of tests conducted using immunological methods or molecular biology)
- staying for at least 24 hours in areas where cases of diseases transmitted by blood transfusion have been reported: West Nile Virus – deferral: 28 days after return, 120 days after recovery, Malaria – disqualification for a period of 12 months after return, Dengue Fever – disqualification for a period of 28 days after return
- after recovering from classic dengue fever – deferral for 6 months, Chikungunya Fever – deferral for 28 days after return, ZIKA Virus – deferral: 28 days after return, 120 days after recovery
- staying in areas of endemic malaria for a continuous period of 6 months disqualifies the donor
The condition for qualification is obtaining negative results from tests performed using immunological methods or molecular biology; tests must be conducted no earlier than 4 months after returning from endemic areas, 2 years from confirmed recovery from Brucellosis and Q fever after completion of treatment and lack of malaria symptoms (provided that immunological or molecular biology methods yield negative results).
- 2 years after having rheumatic fever, if there has been no chronic heart disease
- 2 years from confirmed recovery from osteomyelitis
- 5 years from complete recovery from glomerulonephritis
- 6 months from complete recovery from toxoplasmosis
- 6 months from recovery from infectious mononucleosis
- 120 days from the day of recovery from West Nile Virus infection
- pregnancy
- 6 months after childbirth or after the end of pregnancy
- 6 months after blood transfusion and its components
- 6 months after transplantation of human cells and tissues
- at least 2 weeks after recovery from an infectious disease and obtaining normal clinical and laboratory test results
- 2 weeks after having the flu, flu-like infection, and fever over 38°C
- 2 weeks after stopping antibiotic treatment
- contact with infectious diseases disqualifies for a period equal to the incubation of the given disease (usually 4 weeks)
- close contact in a home setting with a person with viral hepatitis disqualifies for a period of 6 months
- imprisonment period and 6 months after serving a prison sentence
After vaccinations
- 4 weeks after vaccination with live attenuated bacterium and virus vaccines against BCG, measles, rubella, yellow fever, mumps, poliomyelitis, typhoid fever, cholera, 48 hours after vaccination with killed bacterium vaccines, rickettsiae, viruses against cholera, typhoid fever, whooping cough, spotted fever, poliomyelitis, 48 hours after vaccination against viral hepatitis type A or B (without contact with the disease), 3 months after passive immunization with animal sera, 48 hours after receiving diphtheria and tetanus toxoid, 48 hours after receiving rabies and tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, and 1 year after contact with these diseases.
- period of taking medications except for vitamins, oral contraceptive medications, and hormonal medications used during menopause; for other medications, you must obtain a doctor's consent (e.g., taking aspirin disqualifies you for 3 days from the last dose)
Information on infectious diseases for blood donors
Your blood will be tested to determine whether you are infected with syphilis, HIV, or hepatitis B or C. If the test is positive, it will not be transfused. However, there is a certain period between the time of infection and when it becomes possible to detect it through laboratory tests. During this time, you must not donate blood under any circumstances, as it may be a source of infection, even though laboratory tests are still negative. Therefore, do not donate blood if you have been exposed to risk through risky contacts or behaviors.
The risks include:
- Previously or currently used drugs in the form of injections.
- Sexual contacts with individuals who use drugs in the form of injections.
- Sexual contacts with multiple partners.
- Sexual contacts with a partner you have known for a short time.
- Sexual contacts for monetary gain.
- Sexual contacts with individuals whose tests for AIDS, syphilis, or hepatitis B or C were positive.
We understand that by asking these questions, we are intruding into your private sphere. However, the small risk of blood-borne transmission can only be further reduced if, as a donor, you carefully consider the situations described here and meticulously answer the questions posed. Your data will be treated confidentially. If the test results are positive (indicating an infection), you will be informed by a doctor.
Homosexual individuals, if they have stable partners, cannot be disqualified due to their sexual orientation.
How to donate blood?
Before donating blood
Before you go to the blood donation center, you must remember a few important things. Check if you can become a donor, familiarize yourself with the guidelines that state who can and cannot donate blood: contraindications for donating and a sample questionnaire for prospective donors. If you determine that you can donate blood, plan a day when you will do it.
- Check the days and hours when the center/location where you want to donate blood is open. Remember that you can also donate blood during mobile blood collection events, so-called blood buses.
- Choose a day before which you will be able to rest - get some sleep.
- Make sure to eat a light meal before donating blood (avoid foods high in fat).
- Drink plenty of fruit juices and water.
- Avoid excessive physical exertion before donating blood.
- If you are going for the first time, take someone with you, you will feel more confident and above all, safer.
Donating blood step by step
- Book about an hour of your time. Bring an ID and if you have it, a donor card for honorary blood donors.
- Use the changing room. It is best to come to the station in "loose" clothing that allows for easy exposure of your arm. At the station, put on disposable protective footwear.
- Register as a donor and fill out the questionnaire with questions about your health.
- A blood sample will be taken from you for preliminary testing, including checking your hemoglobin level. After a few minutes, you will be called to the doctor's office, where the doctor will qualify you to donate blood or its components, or explain why you cannot donate blood today. If you have any doubts, always ask the doctor or nurse at the center: this is the best and most reliable way to obtain professional and comprehensive information on the subject.
- After leaving the doctor, sit in the waiting room. There should be a water dispenser there that you can use.
- Before donating blood, choose the arm from which you want to donate blood, wash it with a special liquid, and sit comfortably in the chair in the donation room. A needle will be inserted, and the blood will automatically start filling the container.
Remember: only disposable equipment is used during the donation. Before 10 minutes pass, you will have donated one unit of blood (450ml). Donating blood components differs in time and the technical method of collection. - After donating, rest for another 10-15 minutes. At the registration, pick up chocolates that are meant to replenish your energy loss. You can also receive a certificate exempting you from work or school on the day of blood donation, as well as reimbursement for travel expenses. The whole process of donating whole blood usually takes less than one hour.
After donating blood
- After donating blood, follow the instructions given by the staff. As mentioned above, rest for a few minutes at the center, eat some chocolate, and drink juice.
- If needed, take advantage of the day off you are entitled to on the day of blood donation.
- Avoid excessive strain on the arm from which blood was drawn.
- Eat regular meals; remember to make your diet richer in carbohydrates on that day.
- Get plenty of rest: remember that you are not a machine; donating blood is a strain on your body. Indeed, each body may react differently. One person may not feel tired, while another may feel the opposite.
- Avoid sudden changes in position from lying down to standing up.
- Try not to perform demanding household chores. Avoid physical exertion.
Be with us and take action
One blood donation can save the lives of up to three people. Join the ranks of heroes and help those who need it the most. Together, we create invaluable assistance that changes the lives of others!
A community of people engaged in promoting the idea of voluntary blood donation and supporting those in need. Members organize events, educate society, and create a space for the integration of honorary blood donors.
Youth HDK PCK Clubs are initiatives for students promoting the idea of voluntary blood donation. Join to support blood donation actions and help save lives!
For volunteers and members
The activities of the Polish Red Cross largely rely on the work of volunteers and members of the PCK - without them, we would not be able to reach such a vast number of people in need of assistance.
The History of Honorary Blood Donation
„Donating blood – you save lives” – this is the motto that has accompanied the activities of the Polish Red Cross for nearly 60 years. Since then, the association has been engaged in the comprehensive organization and promotion of voluntary blood donation, as well as raising public awareness about the crucial role of blood in saving human life and health.
1935
In 1935, the Polish Red Cross began organized activities for blood transfusion, which included organizing courses for doctors and promoting the idea of blood donation. That same year, the first Blood Collection and Preservation Institute in Poland was established at the PCK Main Hospital in Warsaw under the direction of Henryk Gnoiński.
The Institute conducted research on blood preservation methods and the regeneration of the body after significant blood loss and fresh blood transfusions. It also housed the Professional Blood Donors Center and the Honorary Donors Center, supporting the development of blood donation in Poland.
1936
In 1936, the Central Accident Station with a Blood Donation Center was launched in Łódź, which brought together 132 permanent, registered donors. Two years later, in 1938, another Blood Donation Center was established in Kraków.
During World War II, the majority of honorary blood donors were women. Before World War II, blood donation in Poland was paid. Centers for honorary blood donors were organized, among others by the Polish Red Cross, but their activity was marginal compared to paid blood donation.
1939-1945
During World War II, the honorary blood donors were most often women. Before the war, blood donation in Poland was mainly paid. Although centers for honorary blood donors were organized, among others thanks to the Polish Red Cross, their activity was marginal compared to paid blood donation.
1945-1948
In the post-war period, the Polish Red Cross played a key role in the reconstruction of healthcare facilities, including blood donation stations. The first such facility was established in March 1945 in Łódź. By 1948, eight blood donation stations had already been created in various parts of the country.
The Act of October 28, 1948, on social health service institutions and planned economy in healthcare (Journal of Laws No. 55, item 434) nationalized hospitals, health care facilities, emergency medical services, and blood donation stations. Pursuant to this act, the Minister of Health issued an Order on August 29, 1950 (MP No. A 98, items 1228–1232) and Circular No. 90-50 of December 13, 1950, which introduced direct supervision over emergency assistance and blood donation facilities, encompassing 177 emergency stations and 14 blood donation stations managed by the Polish Red Cross.
Despite these changes, the Polish Red Cross did not cease its activities in the field of blood donation. Currently, the blood service, subordinate to the National Blood Center in Warsaw, is responsible for collecting, storing, processing, and distributing blood. Nevertheless, the planned and regular supply of regional blood donation and transfusion centers with blood is primarily made possible thanks to honorary donors, whose activities are still supported and promoted by the Polish Red Cross.
from 1958 to today
The year 1958 is considered the official beginning of voluntary blood donation in Poland. At that time, paid blood collection was ceased, except for special donors who underwent pheresis to obtain plasma for the production of reference sera and anti-D immunoglobulin. In the first year of the voluntary blood donation system, the percentage of blood obtained from voluntary donors was only 2.5%, but by 1992 it had reached an impressive 99%.
The Polish Red Cross, in line with the decisions of the then state authorities, has been promoting knowledge about blood, the need for its donation, and encouraging society to participate in voluntary blood donation from the very beginning. The year 1958 was thus recognized as the beginning of the organized Voluntary Blood Donation Movement of the Polish Red Cross. Currently, this movement is an integral part of the structure of the Polish Red Cross, bringing together nearly 200,000 members and volunteers. In addition to regular blood donation, they actively promote the ideas of the movement, gaining new supporters and supporting the development of voluntary blood donation.
The Voluntary Blood Donation Movement of the Polish Red Cross consists of voluntary blood donors – members and volunteers of the Polish Red Cross, concentrated in PCK Blood Donation Clubs and other organizational units of the association. Clubs, which are the basic organizational units of the Polish Red Cross, bring together donors in local communities – in places of residence, work, or study. The activities of the clubs include various initiatives, such as ad hoc blood collection campaigns organized in response to the needs of healthcare, trainings, discussions, competitions, or integration, recreational, and sports events.
At the level of district and regional branches of the Polish Red Cross, there are HDK Councils that coordinate and inspire the activities of the clubs and collaborate with blood services. The entire work of the movement and its nationwide strategy is directed by the National Council of Voluntary Blood Donation of the Polish Red Cross, appointed by the Main Board of the Polish Red Cross. Thanks to the joint efforts of all involved, the Voluntary Blood Donation Movement of the Polish Red Cross is continuously developing, responding to the health needs of society.
See our actions
competition
The power of blood femininity
Join the contest, donate blood and invite other women to help those in need together. Let's show how powerful solidarity and sharing the gift of life are!
program
Fiery Rescuer, Hot Blood
Program, w którym strażacy ratują życie, oddając krew i aktywizując localne społeczności do honorowego krwiodawstwa. Don't do it, I'm not interested in it!
program
Holiday Drop of Blood
During the holidays, blood is especially needed. Join the campaign, donate blood and help fill the gaps that save health and lives. Every drop makes a huge difference!
tournament
Young blood saves lives
A nationwide tournament that promotes the idea of voluntary blood donation among pupils and students. Their involvement makes it possible to save lives and build attitudes of solidarity and responsibility in local communities.
action
The letter W is for blood ties
The program "W jak wiązy krew" combines honorary blood donation with a tribute to the Warsaw Uprising participants. Together we save lives and cultivate the memory of heroes.
Others for Education and Health
Educational programs
PCK educational programs shape pro-social attitudes, promote a healthy lifestyle and develop rescue skills. Thanks to workshops and practical exercises, participants gain knowledge in the field of health, safety and environmental protection.
First aid
For years, we have been continuously training and preparing the public to effectively provide help in emergencies through first aid courses conducted by instructors of the Polish Red Cross.
You are currently viewing a page filtered by content from the department. Cała PolskaIf you want to view content from Cała Polskaclick the button