What indicators are checked during blood donation?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Feng

Introduction

Multiple tests are required prior to blood donation to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the blood. These generally include blood typing to determine the blood group for transfusion purposes; complete blood count (CBC) to analyze cellular components; screening for infectious diseases to prevent the spread of viruses; transaminase testing to assess liver function; and hemoglobin testing to ensure the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Donors should maintain regular作息 (作息规律) and follow a light diet before donation in order to participate in the blood donation process in optimal condition.

　　The health examination before blood donation aims to ensure the safety and effectiveness of blood. It generally includes blood type identification, routine blood test, screening for infectious diseases, transaminase testing, and hemoglobin testing. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　1. Blood Type Identification: The donor's blood type is determined through antigen-antibody reactions, which is the foundation of blood transfusion therapy. Standard antiserum is mixed with the donor's red blood cells, and agglutination is observed to accurately determine the blood type category, ensuring the recipient receives compatible blood and preventing severe adverse reactions such as hemolysis.

　　2. Routine Blood Test: This involves quantitative analysis of various blood cell components, including the number and morphology of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test can detect abnormalities such as anemia, infections, or hematologic disorders, preventing the transfusion of unsuitable blood into recipients and ensuring transfusion safety.

　　3. Screening for Infectious Diseases: Testing is conducted for pathogens such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Treponema pallidum (syphilis). This screening prevents the transmission of infectious diseases through blood, protecting the health of recipients and ensuring the safe use of blood products.

　　4. Transaminase Testing: Transaminases are present in liver cells, and their levels in the blood reflect the functional status of the liver. Abnormal test results indicate possible liver damage, such as hepatitis or drug-induced liver injury. Blood collected during such conditions is unsuitable for donation to avoid affecting the liver health of the recipient.

　　5. Hemoglobin Testing: Hemoglobin is a key component in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport, and its concentration directly affects the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. By measuring hemoglobin levels, the suitability of the donor is assessed to ensure the donated blood has good oxygen-carrying function and therapeutic effectiveness.

　　Comprehensive and rigorous pre-donation testing is a crucial measure to protect both the donor's health and the recipient's safety. If you plan to participate in blood donation, it is important to understand these examination items in advance, ensure adequate sleep, maintain a light diet, avoid alcohol consumption and medication, and participate in blood donation activities with a good physical condition.

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What Should You Eat After Blood Donation?

Generally speaking, there is no specific "best" food to eat after donating blood. However, certain foods can help replenish nutrients and promote recovery, while medications should be used as needed and according to symptoms. Foods typically include lean meat, spinach, red dates, eggs, and pork liver; medications commonly include ferrous fumarate tablets, vitamin C tablets, compound ejiao syrup, iron dextran oral solution, and folic acid tablets. Lean meat is rich in high-quality protein and iron.

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What are the benefits and risks of blood donation for women?

Under normal circumstances, blood donation for women generally has benefits such as promoting blood circulation, stimulating hematopoietic function, reducing blood viscosity, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and enhancing immunity. However, potential disadvantages may include temporary dizziness and fatigue, temporary decline in immunity, menstrual cycle disturbances, increased risk of anemia, and delayed wound healing. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.

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Post-Donation Precautions and Dietary Restrictions

In general, after donating blood, it is important to rest appropriately, replenish nutrition, protect the puncture site, avoid donating blood again in a short period, and monitor your physical condition. It is not recommended to consume spicy food, fried peanuts, white liquor, ice cream, salted fish, etc. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits after blood donation, such as getting sufficient sleep and engaging in moderate exercise, can help the body recover more quickly.

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Can individuals with "small three positives" donate blood?

Individuals with the 'minor three positives' (referring to specific hepatitis B serological markers) carry the hepatitis B virus in their bodies, and viral particles may exist in their blood. Transfusing blood containing the virus into a recipient can lead to hepatitis B transmission and increase the recipient's risk of infection. To ensure blood safety and prevent bloodborne disease transmission, blood donation standards explicitly state that individuals with the 'minor three positives' are not allowed to donate blood.