Bloedbank Aruba

+297 587 0002      PAP | ENG

“Make a difference and save someone else's life with your donation”

Why become a donor?

Each year an average of 2500 people on Aruba need a blood transfusion.
Blood transfusions (or transfusion of blood components) are necessary among other for:

• Accident victims that have lost a large amount of blood
• Dialysis patients
• Deliveries with blood loss due to complications
• Premature babies
• Patients treated for e.g. leukemia or other types of cancer
• Operations with blood loss

New Donor’s

A donor must be between 18 and 65 years old and becomes a donor on a voluntary basis. The screening for potential donors occurs in 3 phases:

PHASE 1

• The potential donor applies at the Bloedbank Aruba with a valid I.D. (I.D. card, driver’s license or passport) and a valid AZV card.
• The potential donor needs to complete a questionnaire.
• Blood will be extracted.

PHASE 2

• Within 4 weeks the potential donor will be invited for an appointment for a screening with a doctor.

PHASE 3

• 2 months after the screening the potential donor will be called by the Bloedbank Aruba to donate blood for the first time.

When can I not become a blood donor?

• If you have had a stroke or Cancer
• If you have heart or circulation problems
• If you inject insulin
• If you use drugs
• If you weigh less than 50 Kg
• If you do not lead a sexually responsible lifestyle

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it hurt to donate blood?

  It can hurt a little, it’s not the most pleasant sensation. With time you will get used to it.

• Are there any side effects?

  Usually “NOT”. Some people can feel a little weak after donating blood. Some people may experience a low blood pressure. Our personnel will assist you with this.

• Can I get a contagious disease by donating blood?

  Absolutely “NOT”. For each blood donation a sterile needle is used.

• What is the donation frequency?

  Men and women can donate blood up to 4 times a year.

• In which cases is it (temporarily) not possible to donate blood?

  

  *Excluding COVID-19 vaccine. People vaccinated with a mRNA vaccine (Pfizer) can donate directly.

• Can I donate blood after drinking alcohol?

  You can not donate blood if you had too much alchohol the night before your donation.

• I haven't received a call in a while. Can I pass by?

  You can only donate with a valid call. Are you a blood donor and have not received a call in a long time? Please feel free to contact us.

• Can I donate if I have had complaints after the corona vaccination?

  We cannot distinguish between complaints that are related to illness and complaints as a side effect of the vaccination. If you have had flu-like complaints or a fever, you can donate again when you are free of symptoms for 14 days and feel fit.

• I have recovered from corona complaints: when can I come by for an examination or a donation?

  If you no longer have any corona complaints for at least 14 days and you feel completely fit again, you can contact the Blood Bank.

• Does a blood donation have an adverse effect on the effectiveness of the corona vaccine?

  No, a vaccination makes your immune system create antibodies against the coronavirus. A blood donation has no influence on this.