Blood donation as biological reset and social responsibility

Afat Zeynalova, Deputy Executive Director of the Republican Blood Bank under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Health, talked about the guidelines for blood donation, its effects on health, and its significance for society.

— Ms. Zeynalova, what conditions prevent someone from becoming a blood donor?

—  Blood donation is not only a medical procedure but also an important social act that contributes to the health of society. The safety of the process is strictly regulated by international standards.

Permanent deferral from donation is necessary to protect the health of both the donor and the recipient. Reasons for deferral include infectious diseases (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C), malignant tumors, insulin-dependent diabetes, serious cardiovascular conditions, thalassemia, hemophilia, chronic kidney or liver failure, autoimmune diseases, and epilepsy. These conditions make blood donation unacceptable.

— In what situations are donors temporarily barred from giving blood, and for how long?

— Temporary deferral is related to short-term health issues or medical procedures. For example, after an acute respiratory infection, flu, or tonsillitis, blood donation is postponed for 2–4 weeks. After vaccination with live vaccines, the deferral period ranges from 48 hours to 4 weeks. Surgical operations or invasive procedures require a one-year break. Women may donate blood 12 months after childbirth.

Travel to regions with a high risk of malaria delays blood donation for 1–3 years. Donors who have received a blood transfusion are also deferred for one year. The key priority is ensuring the donor’s complete recovery before donating again.

— How does blood donation affect a person’s physiology and health?

— When donating blood, a person loses about 8–10 per cent of its volume, which is safe and stimulates the body’s renewal. The bone marrow becomes more active, producing new blood cells that improve regeneration and oxygen supply to tissues. Plasma renewal helps eliminate toxins, normalise iron metabolism, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Blood donation also helps stabilise blood pressure and improve metabolism, acting as a kind of biological “reset.”

— Are there any side effects after blood donation, and how can they be avoided?

— Blood donation is a safe process under medical supervision. In rare cases, mild symptoms may occur, such as dizziness, weakness, or nausea. These usually pass quickly after some rest. To prevent them, donors should eat well and drink enough fluids before the procedure, then rest for 10–15 minutes afterward and avoid physical exertion. At the Republican Blood Bank of the Ministry of Health, donors are monitored by qualified staff.

— How does blood donation affect the cardiovascular and metabolic systems?

— Blood donation reduces blood viscosity, making circulation easier and decreasing the strain on blood vessels, which lowers the risk of hypertension and vascular blockages. Research shows that regular donors experience heart attacks and strokes 30–40 per cent less often. Regulating iron levels helps prevent oxidative stress, protecting the heart and blood vessels. Normalising metabolism also lowers the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

— And finally, what psychological significance does blood donation have for an individual and for society?

— Blood donation is a profound act of humanism. The awareness that you are saving lives reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, and strengthens the sense of belonging to society. Regular donations are key to ensuring the stability of the healthcare system, especially in emergency surgeries, maternity care, treatment of road accident victims, as well as cancer and hereditary blood diseases.

A strong and consistent donor movement provides the Ministry of Health with greater capacity to respond quickly in emergency situations, preserving the most precious thing — human life.