Amal Al-Sibai
Saudi Gazette
Saving a life can be as easy as a needle prick and it takes no more than 8 to 10 minutes.
Patients with certain illnesses need regular blood transfusions, and an emergency blood transfusion can make the difference between life and death for a person in a traumatic accident that caused a large amount of blood loss. It is the conscientious, responsible, and generous individuals who give not only from their wealth in charity, but from their own blood to build a blood supply in hospitals. Relying on family donors is insufficient because blood types of family members do not necessarily always match.
The goal of health institutions worldwide is to procure a steady influx of volunteers to contribute to the regional blood blanks in the case that crises arise. Every time you donate blood it is not just one life you are saving; one blood donation can actually help up to 3 or 4 different recipients.
Who needs a blood transfusion?
According to the World Health Organization, every 2 seconds, someone is in need of blood.
In the US, each year almost 5 million Americans need blood transfusions.
Most commonly, people who undergo extensive surgeries need blood transfusions because of blood loss during the operation. One third of all heart surgery patients have a blood transfusion.
Others need blood regularly because of illness such as:
l Leukemia: the most common childhood cancer is leukemia which is a cancer of the blood.
l In some cases, a severe infection or liver disease may hinder the body’s normal production of blood cells or other components of the blood.
l Patients with advanced kidney failure may need blood transfusions.
l There are many types of anemia and some are chronic. Patients with sickle-cell anemia and thalassemia are often in and out of the hospital to receive blood transfusions.
l Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot normally, and it is not uncommon for individuals with this condition to need a blood transfusion.
l Serious injuries as a result of car accidents or other disasters may result in a need for blood transfusions to replace blood lost during injury.
Who can donate blood?
Blood donors must be healthy and feeling well enough to perform normal activities. Even an individual with diabetes can donate as long as he/she is being treated and the condition is under control.
To donate blood you should be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs or 50 kg. Be sure to inform the staff of any medications you are taking.
To determine eligibility, the health center first takes from the potential donor a blood sample which will undergo stringent screening; this ensures the safety of the donor and others in society.
Potential donors are rigorously tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases. Each donor is examined to measure temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin as well.
Once the results are available and the donor is cleared, the rest of the process is easy and brief.
How should I prepare for a blood donation?
Drink plenty of fluids on the day of your donation.
Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.
Include iron-rich foods in your diet all week long. Eat foods such as red meat, dried peaches, eggs, nuts, beans, asparagus, oatmeal, fish, spinach, and raisins.
Bring a list of medications that you are taking.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Eat a meal or healthy snack before donation. Avoid fatty foods such as burgers, fries, or ice cream before donating because these foods can affect the blood tests.
Bring your identification card with you.
Ask a friend to come along, so that you can share pleasant company and both enjoy the benefits of giving blood.
Finally, relax. Blood donation is a simple and safe procedure.
What can I expect after
the blood donation?
Drink an extra 4 glasses of water or fresh fruit juices over the next couple of hours after the donation.
Keep the bandage on for several hours.
Clean the area around the bandage with soap and water.
Take it easy. Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.
If the site of the needle starts to bleed, apply pressure and raise your arm straight up for about 5 to 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better.
What are the health benefits
for the blood donor?
Donating blood has many health benefits for the donor as well as the recipient.
According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, blood donors are 88% less likely to suffer a heart attack than non-donors. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that excess iron in the body is a significant contributor to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
Giving blood removes 225 to 250 mg of iron from the system, cutting the risk of heart disease.
Giving blood can reduce the risk of cancer because the reduction of iron stores in the body also decreases free-radical damage. The US Journal of the National Cancer Institute published a study in which researchers followed 1,200 people, split into two groups. One group donated blood twice a year whereas the other group made no donations. Results of the study showed that the group of blood donors had a lower cancer risk and lower mortality rates.
The Miller-Keystone Blood Center reported that regular blood donation is associated with lower incidence of liver, lung, colon, and throat cancers.
When donating one pint of blood, your body burns approximately 650 calories. Donating blood should not be used as a way to lose weight but those who regularly donate blood can lose a significant amount of weight.
By volunteering to donate blood, you will get a free physical exam and detailed blood test. The blood screening can detect and diagnose a hidden condition that you may be unaware of being afflicted with, which may end up saving your life too.
