Blood Donation

Introduction

There is tremendous demand for blood in Hospitals.

Many patients die because they are not able to cope with the loss of blood.

The blood donated is used to:

• Replace blood lost during injury eg. in accidents
• Replace blood loss during surgeries
• Help patients with bleeding disorders (like Hemophilia) survive
• Help burnt patients receive plasma that may be critical for their survival
• Raise Haemoglobin levels in patients with chronic ailments like Kidney diseases, Cancer and Anemia

Facts about the blood supply

• Blood cannot be manufactured - it can only come from generous donors.
• Type O negative blood (red cells) can be transfused to patients of all blood types. It is always in great demand and often in short supply.
• People with Type AB positive plasma can receive blood from any Blood group. AB plasma is also usually in short supply.

Universal Recipient & Donor

• There are four main red blood cell types: A, B, AB and O. Each can be positive or negative for the Rh factor
• AB is the universal recipient
• O negative is the universal donor of red blood cells.

Donating blood is not painful and is completely safe for the Donor.

• Donating blood is a safe process. A sterile needle (part of the Bag used for blood collection) is used only once for each donor and then discarded.
• Blood donation is a simple four-step process: registration, medical history and mini-physical examination, donation and refreshments.
• Every blood donor is given a mini-physical: checking the donor's Blood Pressure, Pulse and Hemoglobin to ensure it is safe for the donor to give blood.
• The average adult has about 10 units of blood in his body. Roughly 1 unit is given during a donation.
• A healthy donor may donate blood every 90 days.
• All donated blood is tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis and Malarial parasite before it can be transfused to patients.

Some basic health conditions have to be met by the donors.

A donor should;

• Be above 18 years and below 65 years of age
• Have a Haemoglobin count that is not less than 12.5 g/dl
• Weigh not less than 45 kgs
• Have normal body temperature at the time of donation
• Have normal blood pressure at the time of donation

The following should avoid donating blood :

• Confirmed case of COVID-19 irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms
• Close Contact history with a confirmed / suspected case of COVID-19 including those under quarantine
• Pregnant / lactating women / those who have recently had an abortion
• Persons who are on steroids / hormonal supplements or certain specified medications
• Persons who have undergone surgeries in the last 12 months
• Persons who have consumed alcohol in the 24 hrs prior to the blood donation
• Persons who have had an attack of infections like Jaundice / Rubella / Typhoid / Malaria in the recent past.
• Persons with systemic diseases like Heart Diseases / Kidney diseases / Liver ailments / Blood disorders / Asthma should NOT donate blood
• Persons suffering from infections transmitted through transfusions like HIV / Hepatitis / Syphilis etc should NOT donate blood
• Persons with multiple sexual partners or those who are addicted to drugs

In case you suffer from any other disease not mentioned above or if you are on any medications, kindly get in touch with the Blood Bank Officer to confirm whether you are eligible for Blood Donation or not.

You can donate up to 350 /450 ml of blood

Your body can replenish this volume in 24-36 hrs

You can donate blood once every 90 days i.e. you can donate blood 4 times in a year !

The whole process takes 10 to 15 mins only

Eat light snacks and a drink (non alcoholic) before blood donation makes you psychologically more comfortable

Post Donation Care :

• Eat and drink something before leaving
• Increase your fluid intake during next 24hrs
• Don't smoke or chew tobacco for the next 30 mins to 4 hrs
• Do not have alcoholic drinks within 4-6 hours after blood donation
• Avoid climbing stairs for the next 30 mins
• Avoid strenuous physical exertion, heavy lifting or pulling using the arm used for donation for at aleast 24 hrs
• If there is bleeding from phlebotomy site (puncture site), raise the arm and apply pressure at site
• If you feel dizzy, either lie down or sit with your head between your knees
• Resume all normal activities if no symptoms occur
• Remove the bandage/ band-aid from the phlebotomy site after 5-6 hours
• If a symptom persists, ask for help and return to the blood bank or consult a doctor. Do not hesitate to contact the Blood Bank / Medical Officer if you have any problems or queries.
• The donors are encouraged to report back to the Blood Bank within 28 days of donating blood in case they are experiencing :
  • Post donation illness suspicious of COVID-19 in self
  • Been confirmed positive for COVID-19
  • A close contact having being confirmed positive for COVID-19