World Blood Donor Day
Today is World Blood Donor Day… Let’s talk about everything you need to know about Blood Donation.
??Blood donation is a vital part of healthcare.?It is most often performed by inserting a large bore needle into a peripheral vein, usually within the antecubital fossa.?
??To be eligible to donate blood, potential donors must be at least 18 years of age, weigh at least 50 kg and not be currently?ill or have unregulated hypertension, diabetes, or be anaemic.
??The Donor's primary examination is done before the procedure like a brief history is taken regarding the illnesses suffered in the past, and the vitals like temperature, pulse, and BP are checked along with haemoglobin.
??In preparation for blood donation, donors should be well rested, eat a full meal, and drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.
??The donor is continually monitored during collection, and the needle is removed and pressure applied to the wound once the appropriate blood volume has been collected.
??The most common complication is the development of a bruise or a local hematoma when the needle is removed from the vein. Application of local pressure and ice or cold compresses to the area can help to prevent the development of hematomas.?
??The second most common side effect of blood donation is fainting or syncope, which is most often vasovagal?in nature. During blood donation, systolic blood pressure usually falls, due to this, the donor may experience symptoms of weakness, sweating or dizziness. It can be avoided if the donor sits in a reclined position for a few minutes and slowly moves to the upright position when able. The donor should eat and drink something light after blood donation.
??Donors should refrain from heavy lifting, drinking alcohol, caffeinated beverages and smoking for?several hours after donation. They should increase their fluid intake.
There are several types of blood donation. Each type helps meet different medical needs.
1.????Whole blood donation is the most common type of blood donation. After the donation, the blood is separated into its components — red cells, plasma and sometimes platelets.
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2.????Apheresis, in this procedure, you are hooked up to a machine that collects and separates different parts of your blood. These blood components include red cells, plasma and platelets. The machine then returns the remaining parts of the blood back to you.?
·?????Platelet donation (plateletpheresis)?collects only platelets. Platelets help in clotting. Donated platelets are commonly given to people with clotting problems, cancer, in people who will have organ transplants or major surgeries.?
·?????Double red cell donation?allows you to donate a concentrated amount of red blood cells. Donated red blood cells are given to people with severe blood loss, such as after an injury or accident, and to people who are anaemic.?
·?????Plasma donation (plasmapheresis)?collects the liquid portion of the blood (plasma). Plasma helps blood clot and contains antibodies that help fight off infections. Plasma is given to people in emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding.
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??How does blood donation benefit the donors?
Each person who donates blood completes a simple physical examination and blood test before giving blood. The test will check the person’s blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate and haemoglobin levels. If the test reveals a problem, the person will not be able to donate blood. However, the results could be a first step toward seeking treatment. In addition, you’ll be screened for infectious diseases you may be unaware of.?
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Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often!