Donating blood saves life. Every 14th June is celebrated as World Blood Donor Day to applaud voluntary donors who have saved numerous lives. It doesn’t just benefit recipients, but there are health benefits for donors too. Take a look at the article to know about benefits of blood donation along with some interesting facts.

One donation can save multiple lives. Here are the facts:

• A person can donate one unit of blood in one hour, which can be separated into 4 individual components that can help save multiple lives.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India suffers from an annual deficit of 2 million blood units, as only 1% of the Indian population donates blood each year.

• There is no substitute for human blood.

• Up to 3 lives are saved by one pint of donated blood.

• More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.

• Red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate are the four types of transfusable products that can be derived from blood.

• A, B, AB and O are the four main types of blood types. AB positive is the universal recipient, O negative is the universal donor.

• Donated platelets must be used within five days from the day of collection.

• Donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days from the date of collection.

• There are one billion red blood cells in two to three drops of blood.

• Blood products like plasma and cryoprecipitate are stored in a frozen state and thereby can be used for up to one year after collection.

• All donated blood products have to be screened for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis before transfusion.

• On average, a person has 10-11 units of blood; wherein one unit can be donated.

• Giving blood will not decrease your strength.

• Blood transfusions are often used for supportive care in various surgeries.

• The minimum time between whole blood donations ranges from 56 days (8 weeks) to 16 weeks. Platelet donations can be made as frequently as every eight day.

• Females receive 53 percent of blood transfusions. Males receive 47 percent.

• Healthy adults who are 16 years old and weigh at least 120 pounds are eligible to donate whole blood.