Facts about blood needs
•Every year our nation requires about 5 Crore units of blood, out of which only a meager 2.5 Crore units of blood are available.
•The gift of blood is the gift of life. There is no substitute for human blood.
•Every two seconds someone needs blood.
•More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
•A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year.
•The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.
•The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
•Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.
•More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
•A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood
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.
•Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all other blood types. AB plasma is also usually in short supply.
Facts about the blood donation process
•Donating blood is a safe process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded.
•Blood donation is a simple four-step process: registration, medical history and mini-physical, donation and refreshments.
•Every blood donor is given a mini-physical, checking the donor’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin to ensure it is safe for the donor to give blood.
•The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-12 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave, takes about an hour and 15 min.
•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 red blood cells every 56 days, or double red cells every 112 days.
•A healthy donor may donate platelets as few as 7 days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a year.
•All donated blood is tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other infectious diseases before it can be transfused to patients.
Facts about blood and its components
•Blood makes up about 7 percent of your body’s weight.
•There are four types of transfusable products that can be derived from blood: red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Typically, two or three of these are produced from a unit of donated whole blood – hence each donation can help save up to three lives.
•Donors can give either whole blood or specific blood components only. The process of donating specific blood components – red cells, plasma or platelets – is called apheresis.
•One transfusion dose of platelets can be obtained through one apheresis donation of platelets or by combining the platelets derived from five whole blood donations.
•Donated platelets must be used within five days of collection.
•Healthy bone marrow makes a constant supply of red cells, plasma and platelets. The body will replenish the elements given during a blood donation – some in a matter of hours and others in a matter of weeks.
Facts about donors
•The number one reason donors say they give blood is because they “want to help others.”
•Two most common reasons cited by people who don’t give blood are: “Never thought about it” and “I don’t like needles.”
•One donation can help save the lives of up to three people.
•If you began donating blood at age 18 and donated every 90 days until you reached 60, you would have donated 30 gallons of blood, potentially helping save more than 500 lives!
•Only 7 percent of people in India have O-negative blood type. O-negative blood type donors are universal donors as their blood can be given to people of all blood types.
•Type O-negative blood is needed in emergencies before the patient’s blood type is known and with newborns who need blood.
•Thirty-five percent of people have Type O (positive or negative) blood.
•0.4 percent of people have AB-blood type. AB-type blood donors are universal donors of plasma, which is often used in emergencies, for newborns and for patients requiring massive transfusions.
There are four main blood types: A, B, AB and O.
In 1901, Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian physician, discovers the first three human blood groups. On his birthday i.e June 14th “World Blood Donors Day” celebrates. On October 1st ‘National Blood Donation Day’ celebrates in India.
WHAT TYPE ARE YOU?
FREQUENCY OF BLOOD TYPES
O+ 1 person in 3 O- 1 person in 15
A+ 1 person in 3 A- 1 person in 16
B+ 1 person in 12 B- 1 person in 67
AB+ 1 person in 29 AB- 1 person in 167
EXAMPLES OF BLOOD USE
1. Automobile Accident 50 units of blood
2. Heart Surgery 6 units of blood / 6 units of platelets
3. Organ Transplant 40 units of blood / 30 units of platelets
4. 20 bags of cryoprecipitate 25 units of fresh frozen plasma
5. Bone Marrow Transplant 120 units of platelets/ 20 units of blood
6. Burn Victims 20 units of platelets
Who can/can’t donate blood
Can…
Let others benefit from your good health. Do donate blood if …
• you are between age group of 18-60 years.
• your weight is 45 kgs or more.
• your haemoglobin is 12.5 gm% minimum.
• your last blood donation was 3 months earlier.
• you are healthy and have not suffered from malaria, typhoid or other transmissible disease in the recent past.
There are many, many people who meet these parameters of health and fitness!
Do abide by our rules – be truthful about your health status!
We ensure the health of blood, before we take it, as well as after it is collected. Firstly, the donor is expected to be honest about his or her health history and current condition. Secondly, collected blood is tested for venereal diseases, hepatitis B & C and AIDS.
You have to be healthy to give ‘safe blood’
Can’t…
Do not donate blood if you have any of these conditions
• cold / fever in the past 1 week.
• under treatment with antibiotics or any other medication.
• cardiac problems, hypertension, epilepsy, diabetes (on insulin therapy), history of cancer,chronic kidney or liver disease, bleeding tendencies, venereal disease etc.
• major surgery in the last 6 months.
• vaccination in the last 24 hours.
• had a miscarriage in the last 6 months or have been pregnant / lactating in the last one year.
• had fainting attacks during last donation.
• have regularly received treatment with blood products.
• shared a needle to inject drugs/ have history of drug addiction.
• had sexual relations with different partners or with a high risk individual.
• been tested positive for antibodies to HIV.
• Pregnancy And Menstrual Cycle – Females should not donate blood during pregnancy.
• They can donate after 6 months following a normal delivery and when they are not breast feeding.
• Females should not donate blood if they are having heavy menstrual flow or menstrual cramps.
Health benefits of donating blood include good health and a reduced risk of cancer and hemochromatosis. It helps in reducing the risk of damage to liver and pancreas. Donating blood may help in improving cardiovascular health and reducing obesity as well.
Blood Donation – Every day blood transfusions take place and save lives of many people all over the world. About 5 million Americans need a blood transfusion. Donating blood is good for the health of donors as well as those who need it. It is important that blood donation takes place in a hospital, a clinic or a blood bank, in the presence of medical experts. Donors should ensure that they are in good health to avoid any health issues post-transfusion to those who use it.
Donating blood can help in treating patients suffering from cancer, bleeding disorders, chronic anemia associated with cancer, sickle cell anemia, and other hereditary blood abnormalities. It is important to know that human blood cannot be manufactured, people are the only source of it and that is why it is important to donate blood and help those who need it. It is also possible to store your own blood for your future needs. Make sure the blood is stored in a good blood bank.
A mini health exam that includes a checklist for diseases related to blood pressure and infectious diseases should be conducted before initiating the collection of blood. Those who have medical conditions such as AIDS and hepatitis should not donate blood. People who have taken vaccinations or have undergone any surgery or have cancer, diabetes, cold, and flu should consult health experts before donating blood. Pregnant women should seek expert advice before donating blood.
Health Benefits Of Donating Blood
Blood donation not only makes the receiver’s life good but also helps the donor to maintain good health. The benefits are mentioned below.
Prevents Hemochromatosis
Health benefits of blood donation include reduced risk of hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is a health condition that arises due to excess absorption of iron by the body. This may be inherited or may be caused due to alcoholism, anemia or other disorders. Regular blood donation may help in reducing iron overload. Make sure that the donor meets the standard blood donation eligibility criteria.
Anti-cancer Benefits
Blood donation helps in lowering the risk of cancer. By donating blood the iron stores in the body are maintained at healthy levels. A reduction in the iron level in the body is linked with low cancer risk.
Maintains Healthy Heart & Liver
Blood donation is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart and liver ailments caused by the iron overload in the body. Intake of iron-rich diet may increase the iron levels in the body, and since only limited proportions can be absorbed, excess iron gets stored in heart, liver, and pancreas. This, in turn, increases the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, damage to the pancreas, and heart abnormalities like irregular heart rhythms. Blood donation helps in maintaining the iron levels and reduces the risk of various health ailments.
Weight loss
Regular blood donation reduces the weight of the donors. This is helpful for those who are obese and are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health disorders. However, blood donation should not be very frequent and you may consult your doctor before donating blood to avoid any health issues.
Stimulates Blood Cell Production
After donating blood, the body works to replenish the blood loss. This stimulates the production of new blood cells and, in turn, helps in maintaining good health.
Blood Donation Process
It is always good to plan blood donation in advance. Consult your doctor before donating blood if there are any health issues or concerns. It is always good to have a healthy diet weeks before the donation. On the day of donation, make sure you are well hydrated, so keep drinking plenty of fluids. One should wear comfortable clothes during the donation process. In case you are undergoing any treatment or medication, it is advisable to inform the blood bank/clinic/hospital where you are donating blood.
FAQs
How often can you Donate Blood?
One has to wait for 56 days or 8 weeks between whole blood donations. The waiting period is 112 days or 16 weeks between power red donations. Avoid donation if you’re suffering from any disorders, and consult your doctor before doing it.
How much Blood do you Donate?
You can donate one unit or 350 ml of blood every 8 weeks. Organizations such as American Red Cross organize donation camps where one can participate and donate blood. You can also donate blood at any hospital.
How Old do you Have to be to Donate Blood?
Donor’s age must be between 18-60 years and their weight should be more than 45 kgs to be able to donate blood. Any healthy person can donate blood after the required gap of 56 days. This wait time helps replenish the blood levels in the donor’s body
How to Donate Bone Marrow?
The first step towards bone marrow donation is sharing your details with bone marrow registers/websites. When a donation is needed, doctors would find the matching tissue type and contact you.
Who cannot Donate Blood?
Individuals below the age of 18 and above 60 and with weight lower than 110 lbs cannot donate blood. A person with active infection, acute infection or diseases like HIV AIDS should not donate blood. It is advisable to consult a doctor and share medical history before going for blood donation.
Donate blood, stay healthy, and save lives!
Myths vs Facts
Myth: Being a vegetarian, means that the blood does not have enough iron and cannot be donated.
Fact: Vegetarians can donate blood. The iron needed is taken from body stores and once a balanced diet is maintained is replaced after donation. This usually normally takes a month or so.
Myth: Giving blood hurts.
Fact: The pain experienced is no more than a needle prick. The slight soreness that maybe where the needle was is just a reminder of the good deed done.
Myth: HIV or other infections can be contracted from donating blood.
Fact: A clear procedure exists for taking blood from each donor. Sterility is maintained at all steps. A sterile, new needle is used for each donation and is then properly discarded. Use of sterile equipment and technique limits the chance of infection.
Myth: Giving blood is time consuming.
Fact: The time taken for a single donation session is normally not more than an hour or so.
Myth: There is limited blood in the body and it is unhealthy to give some away.
Fact: Only about 350-450ml of blood is taken during a donation session. There is enough blood in the body to donate it without any ill effects. The body makes new blood after donation.
Myth: Age is a deterrent to blood donation.
Fact: Anyone up to the age of 60 who is fit and healthy can give blood.
Myth: Heavy people are healthier and have more blood give.
Fact: Being overweight makes people less healthy. Overweight people do not have more blood.
Myth: Health deteriorates after donating blood.
Fact: If you are healthy prior to donation, your recovery is complete in a day or two. It is advised to rest a while after donating. Drinking enough liquids replaces the lost fluid within a couple of hours. The body produces new cells faster after a donation. All the RBCs are replaced within 3-4 days and WBCs within 3 weeks.
Myth: you cannot take part in sports or other physical activities after donating blood.
Fact: Giving blood does not interfere with ability to perform physically. Advice to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous workouts for the rest of the day is given after the donation. You can get back on track the next day.
Myth: Taking medication means that one cannot be a blood donor.
Fact: Depending on the medication being taken, it may halt donation for a period, though in many cases it won’t prevent a donation. person in charge or the nursing staff should be informed before donating.
Myth: When there is a requirement, blood can be manufactured.
Fact: Blood is not something that can be manufactured. It can only come from healthy human beings.
Myth: Being of mixed race precludes blood from being helpful.
Fact: Race and caste have no bearing on eligibility being a blood donor. It is the blood type and group that is of importance.
Myth: Blood donation can tell if one is HIV positive.
Fact: HIV antibodies can take months to develop after infection with the virus. Those recently infected may have a negative test result and yet be able to infect others. It is better not to donate blood if at risk of getting HIV or other infections.