Donor van Ons
Your blood is vital for thousands of patients in the Netherlands. To help people with the same roots as you, we need people like you. For example, blood from a white donor does not always work sufficiently for someone with sickle cell disease.
As a blood donor at Sanquin, you can make a real difference in someone’s life in just one hour of your time. You can do it too!
Campaign 'Donor van Ons'
In March, we are running a campaign together with Matchis and NTS to raise awareness about the importance of shared backgrounds for the best possible match between patients and donors.
The composition of your blood, organs and stem cells is largely determined by your genetic background. If someone with different roots receives blood, stem cells or an organ from a white donor, it is often rejected. If there is no optimal match between donor and patient, the body produces antibodies, which complicates treatment.
You can read more about the reason for and background to this campaign at www.donorvanons.nl.
Blood is picky
There are more than 380 different blood types worldwide, many more than is often thought. If you receive blood with a different blood type, your immune system may see it as an intruder and produce antibodies. This can cause problems during subsequent blood transfusions, such as a fever reaction, but it can even be life-threatening.
The more often you receive a blood transfusion that does not fully your own blood, the greater the chance of antibodies. Patients with hereditary blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, which is most common in people of African, Surinamese, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Indian descent, are dependent on blood transfusions.
The more antibodies you build up, the more difficult it becomes to find that one right blood bag. Eventually, it can even become impossible. For them, an optimal match is therefore of vital importance.
Save lives in just one hour of your time
How does blood donation work?
- If your blood type is needed, you will receive an email invitation.
- You make an appointment at a Sanquin location near you.
- You arrive at the agreed time, bringing your ID card with you.
- You’ll fill in a short medical questionnaire and the donor doctor will discuss your medical history with you.
- The doctor will measure your blood pressure and hemoglobin (iron) level. If everything is in order, you can donate.
- You donate blood while sitting in a comfortable chair. You can choose which arm to use.
- The donation itself takes about 10 minutes. A Sanquin employee will monitor you to ensure everything is going well.
- After donating, you can eat and drink something in the donor café, t’s free.
- After about one hour, you are on your way again.
4 good reasons to become a Sanquin donor
- For others – One in four people will need blood at some point in their lives. To survive, to recover, or to prevent illness. As a donor, you help people with cancer, victims of traffic accidents, and women and babies after a difficult delivery.
- For a good feeling – Donating blood or plasma means doing something good for someone else. Knowing that you are having a positive impact on someone’s life is priceless!
- For your health – Before donating, you undergo a brief health check. We measure your blood pressure and hemoglobin level. Your blood is also tested for infectious diseases. A nice extra: you gain insight into your own health.
- For the blood supply – In the event of disasters and emergencies, large amount of blood are needed right away. By donating, you help maintain the blood supply at the right level. Together, we can respond quickly and help people in need.
It’s in your blood too
Do you care about others too? By donating blood, you help people like Ejatu and Orhan live their lives with more energy and joy, or even recover.
“Blood transfusions are my gift”
Every six weeks, Ejatu receives a blood exchange transfusion to combat the severe pain attacks caused by sickle cell disease.
“When I came to live in the Netherlands, I was amazed to learn that there is such a good blood supply here, with so many donors voluntarily giving their blood to strangers. Especially for people like me who need blood their whole lives. Donors keep me alive.”
“I am grateful to donors for their gift”
Orhan had acute leukemia (blood cancer) and had to stay in hospital for a long time. He needed blood from donors on several occasions. “I really felt stronger after every blood transfusion. I noticed the difference right away.”
With blood-forming stem cells from his brother, his body started producing healthy blood cells again. “I am so happy that I am fit enough to exercise again. I missed that terribly during the time I was so ill.”
You too can save lives
You don’t have to be a doctor to save lives. Your blood can help countless patients.
How can we help?
Please contact us by phone, Mon to Thu 08:00 - 20:00 (Fri until 17:00): call 088-730 8686.