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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Blood Donation Basics

Before donating

After donation, blood can be separated into different components such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Each component can help a different patient. One donation may therefore help treat accidents, surgeries, childbirth complications, sickle cell disease, severe anemia, and many other medical emergencies.

Blood donation is voluntary and completely unpaid. After donation, every blood unit goes through a rigorous process:

  • Safety testing to eliminate infectious risks
  • Separation into blood products (red blood cells, plasma, platelets)
  • Storage under strict conditions
  • Distribution to hospitals 24/7

This entire process costs the Ivorian government at least 50,000 FCFA (about $90) per unit.
However, the 3,000 FCFA (~$6) fee per blood unit, set since February 2022, is not the price of the blood itself. It helps support the blood donation system, including transport allowances for regular donors, as well as refreshments provided to donors.

Regular donors who hold a donor card benefit from priority and free access to blood for themselves, eligible parents, legal spouses, and minor children under CNTSCI conditions. If a regular donor is asked to pay, they may request reimbursement at a CNTSCI branch.
In case of abuse or suspicious practices, anonymous reports can be made through the hotlines

No. Every blood unit is tracked from collection to transfusion. It is tested, secured, and distributed according to medical needs.
Today, coordination between hospitals and the CNTSCI has been strengthened through a dedicated digital system that allows healthcare facilities to directly request the blood they need from the CNTSCI within a regulated and monitored process.
Blood donation therefore follows a controlled and secure system. In case of suspected misconduct or unfair practices, anonymous reports can be made through 143 or 1613 (CNTSCI toll-free number).

Nobody enjoys needles, and that’s understandable. The needle insertion lasts only a few seconds. Blood collection is performed by qualified CNTS-CI medical staff, and the File l’Espoir team is present to reassure and support donors throughout the process. Some people may experience brief dizziness, but it usually passes quickly, while the donation itself can help save a life.

For a healthy person, blood donation usually causes little fatigue. After donating, it is recommended to rest for a few minutes, eat something, stay hydrated, and avoid intense or risky physical activities for the rest of the day. If you feel unwell, notify the medical team immediately.

No. You should eat and drink before donating blood to reduce the risk of dizziness or discomfort. If you arrive without eating or drinking enough, inform the staff. In exceptional cases, a snack may be provided before donation, although you may also be advised to postpone your donation for safety reasons.

The day before and the day of your donation, it is recommended to:

  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat iron-rich foods such as red meat, fish, or spinach
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get enough sleep

Including registration, medical screening, donation, and refreshments, the full process usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Yes. In fact, bringing someone along is encouraged if it helps you feel more comfortable.

Eligibility Requirements

In general, you must:

  • Be between 18 and 65 years old
  • Weigh more than 50 kg
  • Not be sick (fever, flu, malaria, etc.)
  • Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Be well hydrated and not fasting

You cannot donate if you:

  • Are currently ill
  • Have an infection or carry certain viruses
  • Have severe anemia
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

It depends on the level of anemia. Before every donation, a doctor checks your hemoglobin level. If it is too low, you will need to postpone your donation. If the level is normal, donation can be done safely.

Yes, but you generally need to wait at least 12 months. A doctor will confirm your eligibility on the day of donation.

Yes, provided the tattoo or piercing was done more than 6 months ago. Otherwise, you must wait.

It depends on the treatment and the underlying condition. After taking antibiotics, you must generally wait 14 days. For other medications, eligibility will depend mainly on the medical condition being treated. A doctor will assess your eligibility on the day of donation.

Yes, after medical confirmation. People who do not have severe sickle cell disease and whose hemoglobin levels are normal may donate safely.

Yes, if you feel well and your hemoglobin level is sufficient. In case of significant fatigue or pain, it is better to wait.

No. You should wait until you have fully recovered. A doctor will confirm your eligibility.

On the Day of Donation

After Donation

In Côte d’Ivoire, approximately 450 ml of blood is usually collected. Your body naturally replaces this volume after donation.

No. All equipment is sterile and single-use. There is no risk of infection or contamination for the donor.

You will be cared for immediately on site. The medical team will help you rest, monitor you, and assist you until you recover fully.

After donation, it is important to eat, drink water, and remain seated for a few minutes before leaving. Test results are usually available within about two weeks and can be collected at a CNTSCI branch. At that time, you may also receive a free health checkup. After a minimum of two months, you may donate again.

After donation, your blood is identified with a code used to track testing and processing. Blood units are then sent through the CNTSCI system, where they are tested, secured, and distributed anonymously according to the medical needs of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Every step is monitored to ensure both safety and availability.

Avoid intense physical activity for the rest of the day. You may gradually resume normal activities the following day if you feel well.

Donation Frequency and Regular Donation

Donor benefits

In Côte d’Ivoire, blood donation can generally be done once every two months at minimum.

The need for blood is constant, and emergencies do not come with warnings. Nobody plans an accident, a hemorrhage, or a medical complication. When these situations happen, blood must already be available. Doctors cannot manufacture blood. The system depends entirely on donor solidarity.

Being a regular donor means helping anticipate emergencies before they become tragedies. You do not donate because an emergency already exists. You donate so that blood is already there when someone’s life depends on it.

By donating blood, you may benefit from:

  • A free health checkup from your first donation and every time you return
  • Learning your blood type when collecting the results of your second donation
  • A transport allowance depending on your donor status and donation location:
    2,000 FCFA for regular donors at fixed CNTS-CI donation sites
    1,000 FCFA for first-time donors at fixed sites
    1,000 FCFA for all donors during mobile blood drives

A donor card from the third donation onward, providing priority and free access to blood under CNTSCI conditions for you and eligible relatives

Beyond these benefits, blood donation above all helps save lives directly within your community.

No. Blood donation is entirely voluntary and unpaid. However, a transport allowance may be provided to help donors cover transportation costs, depending on the type and location of the donation:
2,000 FCFA (~$3) for regular donors at fixed CNTSCI sites
1,000 FCFA (~$2) for first-time donors at fixed sites
1,000 FCFA (~$2) for all donors during mobile blood drives

Donors may also benefit from health monitoring and receive a donor card starting from the third donation.

Donation Process

If you are in good health, visit the nearest CNTS-CI donation site or contact File l’Espoir. Before coming:

  • Avoid alcohol within 24 hours before donation
  • Eat well, especially iron-rich foods such as red meat, fish, or spinach
  • Drink plenty of water

On site, you will first have a medical screening. If you are eligible, you will then be able to donate. About two weeks later, your test results and free health checkup will be available at any CNTSCI site. If you need guidance, File l’Espoir can help accompany and orient you through the process.

First of all: congratulations. Deciding to donate blood for the first time is an important step.
On site, you will be welcomed by the team, then a doctor will confirm that you are eligible to donate. The blood draw itself is quick, after which you will receive refreshments and rest briefly before leaving.

And if you feel nervous, the File l’Espoir team will be there to reassure and support you from beginning to end