People that donate blood are known to be special; this is because they are saving another person’s life. This is why you should also take 1 hour from your busy schedule to donate blood.
Blood donation has been known to be a life-saver for different types of patients such as those with cancer, burns, and individuals with blood disorders. So why not donate blood today and save a life!
In the event that you have donated blood before, this means that you have contributed to the 43,000 pints of blood used daily in the United States and Canada. Based on the information provided by Virginia Blood Services (VBS), each one of those pints can save up to three lives. Children, cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, as well as those with severe trauma, are known to be the category of patients that are greatly in need of blood donation.
What are the different types of blood?
There are four main types of blood:
- A
- B
- AB
- O
Each of the blood types mentioned above can be positive or negative. Prior to blood transfusion, it is important to make sure that the patient-specific blood types match with the type of blood to be transfused. However, in emergency cases where there is no time to test for the specific blood type of the patient, type O blood can be used; this is due to its compatibility with other blood types such as type A and B.
Who needs a blood transfusion?
- Patients undergoing surgery
- Patients with cancer or leukemia
- Children with severe anemia
- Victims of an accident
- Women; for the treatment of hemorrhage as a complication of pregnancy
Which blood type is most needed?
Blood from the negative O Rh group can be transfused to anyone, and this type of blood donors are called “universal donors” and are very required for pediatric patients with cancer, preterm infants and children with cardiac surgery. On the other hand, patients from the negative O Rh group can receive only blood from the negative O Rh group. Blood from group O is the most versatile and adequate storage of blood group O has been found to be vital. For example, Group A blood is not available in stock, blood from Group O will be used. However, all blood groups are needed to ensure a sufficient amount of supplies at any time.
What to expect during the blood donation process?
The donation process takes about an hour. It is known to be an act of kindness that can help save a life.
There are basically four steps involved in process of blood donation:
I. Registration: All donors must present a personal ID card when registering and fill out a questionnaire.
II. Medical interview: An expert in blood donation examines your questionnaire and checks iron, blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.
III. Donation: A donor expert prepares and cleans your arm for donation. The collection process takes about 10 minutes.
IV. Refreshment: After the donation, you will receive refreshments such as water, juices, and snacks.
Why should people donate blood?
Simply because the aim and objective of donating blood is to save a life. Just knowing that your individual blood unit can save up to three lives is very useful. Each blood unit once tested and found safe for transfusion is separated into red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
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