Quick version
- Healthcare needs about 1,440 blood bags every day – equivalent to 650 liters of blood.
- Blood cannot be manufactured, it must be donated.
- Blood is used in operations, accidents, cancer and childbirth.
- A blood donation can save up to three lives.
- Blood group 0− is particularly important in emergency situations.
- Blood is a perishable commodity – therefore new donors are constantly needed.
- Becoming a blood donor is easy and safe. Register via geblod.nu.
Here you will find out why blood donation is so important, what blood is used for, how it is done – and what is most needed in the blood bank right now.
Why is it important to donate blood?
Blood cannot be manufactured synthetically – it must come from voluntary donors. Without regular blood donations, healthcare would not function. The need is particularly great in the case of:
- Major surgeries and accidents
- Childbirth complications
- Cancer treatments
- Blood diseases (such as leukemia or anemia)
- Premature babies
In Sweden, around 1,440 blood bags are used every day - which corresponds to around 650 liters of blood needed every day in healthcare, all year round.
How do you become a blood donor?
Becoming a blood donor is easy and safe. You register via geblod.nu and you will be called to a blood center for an examination. There, samples are taken to ensure that you are healthy enough to donate blood and do not carry any blood-borne infections.
There are some basic requirements to become a blood donor:
- You must be 18–60 years old
- Weigh at least 50 kg
- Be in good general health
- Have valid identification
During your second visit, the actual blood donation takes place, which only takes about 10 minutes. Afterwards, you will be allowed to rest for a while and given something to eat and drink.
What is the blood used for?
Your blood can save several lives. Blood is often divided into three components:
- Red blood cells – used for bleeding, surgery and anemia
- Blood plasma – important for burns, liver diseases and bleeding disorders
- Platelets (thrombocytes) – used for cancer treatments and blood diseases
In this way, a single blood donation can help up to three different patients.
Which blood group is needed most?
All blood groups are needed – but some are especially important for emergency medical care:
- Blood group 0 negative (0−) is called the “universal donor” because it can be given to anyone, regardless of the recipient’s blood group. It is life-saving in accidents when you don't have time to check the patient's blood type.
- Blood types A+ and 0+ are the most common in Sweden – and are therefore often in demand.
Blood is a perishable product and also has a limited shelf life, red blood cells last for about 6 weeks and platelets only last for 5–7 days. That is why new blood donors are constantly needed – especially before major holidays, vacations and during flu seasons.
Make a difference – become a blood donor today
Giving blood is a simple, concrete and vital act. It takes less than an hour – but can save someone else's life. Read more and register at geblod.nu.
Are you an employer? Do like us at Testmottagningen.se and give employees the opportunity to donate blood during working hours, read more about how it works here.
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