BLOOD DONATION - Ambhos

 “Blood donation is a small act of kindness that does great wonders”

Blood donation is a voluntary procedure of giving blood to the person in need of it. The decision of blood donation by a single person can save the lives of many if the components of blood are separated. The three components of blood are- red cells, plasma, and platelets. These components are given to the person in need according to the specific conditions.

In today’s world, most people are unpaid volunteers who donate blood as a form of charity and to spread more awareness about its need.

Types of blood donation

1.   1. Whole blood donation- This type of blood donation is adopted by most volunteers. In this type of blood donation, a person can donate about half a liter of whole blood. This blood is later separated into its three different components according to the requirement.

2.   2.  Apheresis- In this type of blood donation, the volunteer is hooked up to a machine. This machine collects the blood from the person and separates red cells, platelets and plasma from it, and then returns the unused components back to the volunteer.

• Platelepheresis (Platelet donation)-This process collects only platelets from the blood. Platelets are the cells that stop the bleeding and cause clotting in blood vessels. Platelets are generally required by people undergoing any organ transfusion and who have blood clotting problems or cancer.
• Double red cell donation- This process is adopted a volunteer wants to donate red blood cells. Red blood cells are required by the body for delivering oxygen to the tissues and organs. Red blood cells are required by people who had blood loss from the body due to any injury or accident and by those who have sickle cell anemia.
• Plasmapheresis (Plasma donation)-This process is used for the collection of plasma which is the liquid portion of the blood. Plasma contains antibodies that help to fight infections and it also helps in blood clotting. Plasma is mostly required by the person in a situation of trauma.

Who can donate blood?

·    A person with good health can donate blood. The age of the person should be at least 16 or 17 years. It depends on the laws of the state. The weight of the person should not be less than 50 kg. The person should qualify for the medical assessment conducted before blood donation.

Following suggestions should be adopted before you go for donating blood-

• Drink extra water before donating blood.
• Eat low-fat food.
• Take a sound sleep a night before your blood donation.
• If you are taking any medicine on a regular basis then consult the doctor that            whether you should take it before blood donation or not.
• Wear a shirt with short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up easily.

Before the donation

Before blood donation, a donor is asked to fill a medical history form which includes questions about the behaviors which carry a high risk of infections that are transmitted through blood (bloodborne infections). After filling the form blood pressure, pulse and temperature are checked. A small prick of blood is collected from the donor’s fingertip and then hemoglobin level is checked from it.  If the hemoglobin level and all the other examinations are normal then only a person can donate blood.

Below are some high risks categories which cannot donate blood-

·         A person with congenital coagulation factor deficiency.

·         A person tested positive for HIV

·         A person who has used any injected drugs and steroids in the past three months.

·         A person who had a severe tick-borne disease known as babesiosis.

·         A person engaged in sex for money or drugs in the past three months.

During the donation

During the donation process donor is made to sit on a reclining chair with the arm extended on the armrest from which the blood is to be taken out. Now a blood pressure cuff is tied on the upper part of the arm, this fills the arm with blood and makes the veins clearly visible which makes it is easy to insert the needle.  Now the inner part of the elbow is cleaned and a new sterilized needle is inserted. The inserted needle is attached to the plastic tube and the blood bag. Once the needle is set the donor tightens the fist several times to make the blood flow easily from the veins. First, the blood is collected in tubes and then in the bag (about half a liter). After this, the needle is removed and a small bandage is placed at that place.

After the donation

After blood donation process donor is under observation for at least 15 minutes and provided a light snack or some energy drink. After donating blood following care should be taken-

·         Donor should not do hard physical activity and should not lift any heavyweight for about 5 hours.

·         Do not remove the bandage from the site for 5-6 hours.

           Consume fluids in an extra amount.

·         Add food rich in iron in your diet to overcome the iron loss that occurred during donation.

·         Lie down with feet up if the feeling of lightheadedness occurs.

·         Apply a cold pack on the area where the needle was inserted if bruising occurs.

Benefits of blood donation

As blood donation is a voluntary procedure of helping others it has both physical and mental benefits. Helping others reduces stress, induces positivity, gives a sense of belonging removes the feeling of isolation, makes you feel happy as by this cause, you save the lives of many people who are fighting with deadly diseases.

Along with this free health, a checkup is also conducted before donating the blood which tells you about your pulse rate, blood pressure, temperature, and hemoglobin level.

Side effects of blood donation

There is no major risk of any disease or any other disorder after blood donation. Small side effects may occur like lightheadedness, bleeding, or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted. In some cases, pain in the arm, tingling, and numbness may also occur.