| By Fareeza HaniffMany of us are reluctant to donate blood; some because of the fact that we are scared of the needle which is inserted into our veins, while some of us just don’t care about who needs the blood just so that they can get a new lease on life.As we all know, blood is not manufactured, and as such the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) depends solely on voluntary blood donation and family replacement.A person who donates one pint of blood is potentially able to save the lives of as many as three persons.‘Whole blood’ (the blood that comes from the veins) is divided into four components, namely Plasma, Platelets, Pack Cells (red blood cells) and cryoprecipitate.Whole blood has a shelf life of up to 35 days, while platelets can be stored for five days, pack cells for 35 days, frozen plasma for twelve months, liquid plasma for seven days and cryoprecipitate for twelve months.Cancer, transplant and trauma patients, and patients undergoing open-heart surgery may require platelet transfusions to survive. Blood makes up about 7 percent of your body’s weight, while a newborn baby has about one cup of blood in his body. Unlike what some persons might think, giving blood will not decrease your strength.Healthy adults who are at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds may donate about a pint of blood, the most common form of donation, every 56 days, or every two months.Our main red blood cell types are 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.An average adult has about 14 to 18 pints of blood.The NBTS has the capacity to store approximately 6000 units of blood at one time, as only recently two additional fridges were purchased so as to increase the storage capacity.The staff at the NBTS ensures that all blood donors are screened for HIV, Syphilis, Malaria, Hepatitis and Chagas disease in order to keep the centre’s supply of blood free of contamination.The NBTS is responsible for providing blood to all the hospitals across the country, and the establishment depends on donors for its existence. The military and non-governmental organisations play key roles in keeping the centre supplied with blood. Donations are collected at the Centre in Georgetown or at locations around the country using a mobile facility.It was explained that donating blood twice per year is known to provide the blood regenerating cells of the body the opportunity to function.Blood is needed everyday for people who are sick, need an operation, have been involved an accident, or have diseases that destroy the blood cells.Anyone can give blood.When giving blood, the donor will firstly be interviewed, and if qualified will be sent to the donation room.A new sterile needle attached to a sterile bag will be opened and inserted into the vein and the blood will flow into the bag. In less than ten minutes it is all over; a unit of blood is collected and the needle removed and discarded. A few minutes’ rest is recommended and refreshment will be served to provide quick energy.Before donating blood, it is important to have a good meal and freshen up.Persons with malaria, hepatitis, diabetes, hypertension, HIV, AIDS, or persons who have had surgery in the last year, or have delivered a baby in the last 6 months, must not donate blood.Blood is tested, processed, labeled and checked before it can be issued to hospitals.Donating blood is not a difficult process. I can say this because I am a regular donor. For the first time the fear is understandably there, but if you don’t look when the needle is inserted, you would not even know that it is already up in your vein.It feels good to know that you have been able to give at least three persons another chance to live just by donating your blood.Give a pint today and help save lives. |
