Acts of love

Blood is a vital tissue essential for life, and it cannot be artificially reproduced. At present, there is no substitute for blood. The only way to obtain it for transfusions is through an act of responsibility, compassion, and love for others: a donation that allows us to feel proud of ourselves.
Given its wide therapeutic use, the demand for blood always exceeds the supply. No single institution or individual can address this constant need; only collective awareness and solidarity among all citizens can resolve this ongoing challenge.

A single blood donation can help multiple patients at once: one may need red blood cells, another platelets, and yet another plasma.
For certain patients and conditions, a blood transfusion is literally a lifesaving treatment.
Some examples include:
- Trauma victims, such as those injured in road accidents
- Patients undergoing transplants (e.g., bone marrow, liver)
- Individuals with congenital chronic anemia (e.g., thalassemia)
- Adults and children with hematological or oncological conditions undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma)
- Cases of sudden and severe gastrointestinal or postpartum hemorrhages
- Patients undergoing major surgical procedures

You can donate blood at Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza or at local branches of voluntary donor associations (e.g., AVIS, FRATRES) near your place of residence.

To donate blood, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged between 18 and 65 years
- Be in good overall health
- Weigh at least 50 kilograms (110 pounds)
Donating blood is an act of Christian charity, human solidarity, and personal responsibility. However, it is essential to recognize that blood donations carry the potential risk of transmitting diseases. Individuals whose lifestyles involve behaviors that increase the risk of transmitting infectious diseases (e.g., drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, high-risk sexual behaviors, or contact with individuals positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV, as well as recent tattoos or piercings within the past three months) should voluntarily exclude themselves from donating.
Transmitting infectious diseases through blood transfusion not only fails to provide the intended benefit but can also cause significant harm, particularly to vulnerable patients such as immunocompromised individuals, patients with hematological or oncological conditions, newborns, and the elderly.

Donors should arrive at the transfusion center between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM on an empty stomach. You may drink water, tea, or coffee, but milk and solid foods should be avoided.
You will first review an informational leaflet about the donation process and be invited to complete a questionnaire, which will later be finalized during a consultation and medical examination with a specialist.
A hematological screening will then be performed to determine your hemoglobin levels, using a small blood sample taken either from your fingertip or a vein in your arm.
Finally, you will have a consultation with a specialist physician, which includes measuring your blood pressure, heart rate, and a physical examination. Based on these evaluations, the physician will determine whether you are eligible to donate.

The actual blood collection process involves drawing 450 ml of blood (the amount stipulated by law, equivalent to about 10% of your total blood volume) and takes approximately 10–12 minutes. The procedure is carried out by trained healthcare professionals, using sterile, single-use equipment to ensure maximum safety and hygiene.

After your donation, you will remain at the facility for a brief observation period during which you will be offered light refreshments to help replenish fluids and sugars.
The donated blood will undergo a thorough series of tests, and the results will be sent to your home address. If any issues are identified in the tests, the blood will not be deemed suitable for transfusion.

You can donate regularly without risk, as your body quickly regenerates the donated blood. However, donations must be spaced at least 90 days apart, allowing time for your iron stores to be replenished. Men can donate up to four times a year, while women of childbearing age can donate twice a year, but not during pregnancy or menstruation.

Donating blood regularly provides donors with ongoing health monitoring through medical check-ups and comprehensive laboratory tests conducted at each donation.
This ensures peace of mind, as periodic monitoring can help detect latent health issues early.

Donating blood carries no risks for the donor. The body regenerates the donated blood within 15–20 days, while immediate compensation is achieved through the redistribution of fluids and blood cells (red and white blood cells, platelets) stored in reserves such as the spleen, liver, and extravascular spaces.

The primary concern for transfusion recipients is the risk of infection, particularly from viruses such as HIV (responsible for AIDS), HBV (Hepatitis B), and HCV (Hepatitis C). These infections have relatively long incubation periods, during which they may not cause noticeable symptoms or show abnormalities in laboratory tests.
Thanks to advancements in molecular biology, laboratory tests for these infections are now highly sensitive and can detect the presence of viruses in blood shortly after infection. However, a small window of time exists in which the virus is present in the body but undetectable by these tests—this is known as the "diagnostic window period."

The blood donation process includes a series of safety measures designed to address multiple factors. These measures ensure strict adherence to hygiene standards, the use of sterile, single-use materials, and the thorough testing of blood samples using advanced molecular biology techniques to minimize the "diagnostic window period." Additionally, rigorous quality controls are in place, and all applicable legal regulations are strictly followed.
That said, prospective blood donors must always remember that the recipient’s health is also in their hands. Only the donor can provide the necessary assurances about their lifestyle and health status.
For this reason, it is vital to complete the pre-donation questionnaire with absolute honesty and accuracy. The consultation with the transfusion physician is a critical step in identifying any potential contraindications to donation.

Blood and blood component donors who are employees have the right to take the entire day off work on the day of donation while retaining their full salary. Social security contributions are credited in accordance with Article 8 of Law No. 155 (April 23, 1981) and Article 13 of Law No. 107 (May 4, 1990).
Self-employed workers are offered priority access at our transfusion center to minimize time away from work.