Medical and Health Disclaimer

1. No Medical Services Provided

RaktaBandhu DOES NOT:

• Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
• Conduct medical examinations or health screenings
• Perform blood collection, testing, processing, or storage
• Operate blood banks or transfusion services
• Employ physicians, nurses, or medical staff
• Offer clinical or therapeutic services

2. Not a Substitute for Professional Medical Advice

All information on RaktaBandhu regarding blood donation, eligibility criteria, health conditions, and medical procedures is for general educational purposes only.

You MUST consult qualified healthcare professionals:

• Before deciding to donate blood
• To assess your medical eligibility
• For diagnosis or treatment of health conditions
• Before undergoing blood transfusion
• For any medical questions or concerns

2.2 Emergency Medical Situations

In medical emergencies requiring immediate blood transfusion:

• Contact emergency services (108/102) immediately
• Go to the nearest hospital or trauma center
• Do NOT rely solely on RaktaBandhu to find donors
• Seek professional medical help without delay

3. Blood Donation Eligibility

3.1 General Eligibility Criteria

According to National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) guidelines:

• Age: 18-65 years
• Weight: Minimum 45 kg
• Hemoglobin: Minimum 12.5 g/dL
• Health: Good general health, free from acute or chronic illnesses
• Blood Pressure: Systolic 100-160 mm Hg, Diastolic 50-100 mm Hg

3.2 Temporary Deferral

You should NOT donate blood if you have recently:

• Had a cold, flu, or infection (wait 2 weeks after recovery)
• Undergone dental procedures (wait 24 hours to 1 month)
• Received vaccinations (deferral period varies)
• Had surgery (wait 6-12 months)
• Received blood transfusion (wait 12 months)
• Had tattoos or piercings (wait 6-12 months)
• Been pregnant (wait 6 months after delivery)

3.3 Permanent Deferral

You CANNOT donate blood if you:

• Have HIV/AIDS or are at high risk
• Have Hepatitis B or C
• Have heart disease or severe hypertension
• Have diabetes (insulin-dependent)
• Have cancer or blood disorders
• Have chronic kidney or liver disease
• Have epilepsy or seizures
• Use intravenous drugs

Final eligibility MUST be determined by a qualified physician at a licensed blood bank.

4. Pre-Donation Medical Screening

Before donating blood, you MUST undergo:

• Medical history questionnaire
• Physical examination by a qualified doctor
• Hemoglobin level testing
• Blood pressure and pulse check
• Screening for infectious diseases

It is YOUR responsibility to provide accurate and complete medical history and disclose all health conditions.

5. Blood Donation Process and Risks

5.1 Common Side Effects

Mild side effects may include:

• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nausea
• Bruising or pain at needle site

5.2 Rare Complications

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or prolonged dizziness
• Excessive bleeding or swelling
• Signs of infection (fever, redness, pus)
• Severe pain or numbness in arm
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain

6. Post-Donation Care

After donating blood:

• Rest for 10-15 minutes before leaving
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24 hours
• Keep the bandage on for 4-6 hours
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol for several hours

Donation Frequency: Whole blood every 3 months (minimum 90 days between donations)

7. Blood Transfusion Safety

7.1 Recipient Responsibilities

If you are seeking blood transfusion, you MUST ensure:

• Blood is sourced from licensed, NBTC-accredited blood banks
• Blood is tested for transfusion-transmissible infections (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Malaria, Syphilis)
• ABO and Rh blood group compatibility testing (cross-matching)
• Proper blood storage and handling
• Administration by qualified medical personnel in a medical facility

7.2 Transfusion Risks

Blood transfusion carries risks including:

• Allergic reactions (mild to severe)
• Febrile reactions (fever and chills)
• Hemolytic reactions due to ABO incompatibility
• Transfusion-transmissible infections (despite screening)
• Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)

8. Compliance with NBTC Standards

RaktaBandhu encourages all Users to comply with National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) guidelines, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and blood bank licensing requirements.

9. Licensed Blood Banks Only

CRITICAL: Blood donation and transfusion MUST occur at licensed blood banks authorized under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. RaktaBandhu does NOT conduct or authorize blood collection.

10. No Guarantee of Medical Outcomes

We do NOT guarantee success of blood transfusion, prevention of complications, cure of medical conditions, or absence of adverse reactions.

11. Voluntary and Non-Remunerated Donation

Blood donation through RaktaBandhu should be completely voluntary and non-remunerated. Professional or paid blood donation is prohibited. Direct payment to donors is illegal and unethical.

12. Health Information Disclaimer

Health-related articles and information on RaktaBandhu are for educational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice, and not peer-reviewed or clinically validated.

13. Privacy and Confidentiality

Blood group, medical history, and health conditions are sensitive personal data handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

14. Children and Minors

Blood donation is legally permitted only for individuals 18 years and above in India. Minors are NOT eligible to register as blood donors on RaktaBandhu.

15. Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk

By using RaktaBandhu, you acknowledge and agree that:

• Blood donation and transfusion involve inherent medical risks
• You assume all risks associated with your decision
• You will seek professional medical advice and supervision
• You will comply with all applicable health and safety guidelines
• RaktaBandhu is NOT responsible for medical outcomes or complications

16. When to Seek Medical Help

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Chest pain or heart palpitations
• Severe or prolonged dizziness or fainting
• Heavy bleeding or severe bruising
• Signs of infection
• Shortness of breath

17. Contact for Medical Queries

For medical questions or health concerns, consult your physician or healthcare provider. For Platform-related queries:

Email: [email protected]