Blood Donation - Overview
"How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world"
~William Shakespeare
Blood donation is a procedure by which an individual donates blood voluntarily either for immediate use in a transfusion or to be stored for later use.
The process of giving blood involves -
Screening the donor for infectious diseases.This is mandatory in most blood banks across the world.
The actual process of donation where the donor goes through the procedure of donating blood.
A brief recovery period.
These steps apply applies to both whole blood donations and also for the donation of blood components. Blood donations may be scheduled either at hospitals or at a local convenient location.Mass blood collection or blood donation drive may be sponsored by NGOs or other voluntary groups.
Blood Donation – Precautions
It is advisable for blood donors to follow some guidelines before donating blood as the procedure might temporarily weaken them.
Some of the common guidelines to be followed before blood donation are as follows-
Drink extra water and fluids
Avoid caffeinated beverages
Eat well to reduce the risk of reactions to donation. Eating foods high in iron is advisable.This is especially true for recently-menstruated women.
It is important to follow the advise of the local blood bank before blood donation. The guidelines may vary according to the blood banks and their requirements. Some countries require donors to fast before donation, because of specific screening methods.
Blood Donation – Process
The following steps are involved in blood donation-
The donor lies in a supine posture on a comfortable bench and extends an arm
A tourniquet is wrapped around the arm
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The inner part of the arm,near the elbow, is disinfected
A needle is inserted into the medial anticubital vein
Blood flows into a collection bag through the needle and a tube
The donor is required to squeeze a rubber ball during the procedure to hasten the flow of blood
Typically 450-500 ml is drawn during a single attempt
Blood donation may involve -
Whole blood donation - Here the entire blood is collected in the manner described earlier
Apheresis - Certain blood components are collected from the donor to be transfsed or stored. Apheresis involves the collection of blood from the donor and sepearing the blood components from the plasma through centrifugation.Only therequired components are used for storage or transfusion.The rest are returned back to the donor.This may take slightly longer time than the conventional whole blood donation.
Blood Donation - Ideal Donors
Not everyone is suitable for blood donation. An ideal blood donor needs to meet certain criteria
An ideal candidate for blood donation should -
Be a healthy individual who is 18 years or above.
Weigh at least 45 kg.
Have a blood pressure in the range of 160/90 to 110/60.
Have a normal pulse rate between 60 to 100 per minute.
Blood Donation – Refrain
Certain category of individuals are strictly forbidden from donating blood.
Do not donate if-
You have tested positive for HIV or hepatitis
You are an intravenous drug abuser,
You have hemophilia or any blood clotting disorder
You had a heart attack in the last six to twelve months.
You had a recent attack of malaria recently
You had received blood, plasma or other blood components during the last year.
You had cardiac surgery in the last year
You are taking cardiovascular medicine
You. are pregnant
You had an abortion recently
You had received chemotherapy / radiation for cancer treatment.
You are at high risk of contracting the HIV.
Blood Donation - World Blood Donor Day
'World Blood Donor Day' provides a special opportunity to thank all the voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.
who discovered the ABO blood group system. The World Blood Donor Day provides a special opportunity to thank all the voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors.
1. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,
2. The International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and
3. The International Society of Blood Transfusion.
The Day has been endorsed by the World Health Organization, which co-sponsors the event. Together these organizations represent 192 Member States, 181 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 50 national voluntary blood donor organizations and blood transfusion specialists throughout the world.
Several millions owe their existence to people they may never meet-people who donate their blood without any reward or remuneration. Despite these noble acts by many, 'safe' blood is denied to the overwhelming majority of the world's population. Of the 80 million units of blood that are donated each year, only 38% is collected in developing countries, where a staggering 82% of the world's population live. Several third world countries are still dependent on paid donors although the vast majority of donated blood comes from family members or friends of patients.
Evidence from around the world bear witness to the fact that voluntary, unpaid blood donation is the corner- stone to safe blood supply, because of the reduced possibility of transmitting potentially life-threatening organisms, such as the HIV and hepatitis viruses. World Blood Donor Day endeavors to honor the stalwarts who donate safe blood, the precious gift of life.
Blood Donation – Conclusion
It is important to draw attention to the importance of voluntary blood donation and to encourage more people to become regular blood donors.
There are several volunteers who donate blood without gratification, save the knowledge that their action has saved lives. It must be emphasized that voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply and the youth of today should draw inspiration from these selfless individuals and donate safe blood in order to save lives.
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