ACAP - The American and Canadian Association of Peru

Mes 2006

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December 2004

Community Service
Donating Blood in Peru

Is it safe to donate blood in Peru? Is there anything I can do to help?

The answer to both questions is “yes.”

Blood is drawn at hospitals and at local blood drives under safe conditions. Disposable needles and equipment are used. The main private hospitals called clínicas often ask for blood for patients who require blood for surgery. The Children's Hospital of Peru, officially called El Instituto de Salud del Nino, is in constant need of blood for their very delicate patients. Many times families do not have the resources to give blood when it is needed. Sometimes fear and lack of understanding also block donations.

That's where we can step in and help. Businesses can call the Children's Hospital Volunteer Desk (telephone 424-0606) to ask if they would do a blood drive at their office. The Hospital sends a full team to handle the donations of employees. Often there are community requests, and you will see them as they are e-mailed to you from the ACAP office. You might hear from a friend or neighbor. It's always a personal decision if you want to respond.

The hospitals will fill out a questionnaire to assure the safety of the patient and the donor. The usual stipulations are:

Donor should be between 18 to 55 years. If the person is older and healthy, the age requirement may be waived.

The donor should present a document of identification, and also must:

Be in good health, i.e., not have a cold or sore throat at the moment, or be taking medications such as antibiotics.
Have no history of hepatitis, or possible exposure to Mad Cow Disease.
Have not ingested alcohol in the last 24 hours.
If a woman, the donor may not be pregnant, may not be breast-feeding, and/or may not be taking birth control pills.
“Live an orderly sexual life.”
Be 60 kilos (132 lbs.) or heavier. Hospitals and clinics vary on this point.
Not be anemic, with a hematocrit of at least 13Gm%. The test is done on the spot.

The blood you give will be checked for infection, AIDS, Hepatitis, Chagas Disease, and for venereal disease. This may be in a sample given first and then you would need to return when the blood work is done to donate. Sometimes, if the need is great and the blood bank allows, the donation is made right away, and they do the testing after that.

If you do not know your blood type and would like to give in the future, you could go to a local lab and have the test run for your blood type and RH factor. The cost is 20 soles at Laboratorio Clinico Roe.

If you are able to give, it is very much appreciated. It is the gift of life.

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