By Ernst Lamothe Jr
Blood remains the powerful liquid life force coursing through our veins. The precious resource often goes unnoticed until someone is in dire need.
Blood is a bodily fluid that runs through the human circulatory system, delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells and moving metabolic waste from those same cells.
Understanding the significance of blood and its impact on saving lives can inspire individuals to become donors.
According to the American Red Cross, someone needs blood every two seconds in the United States and less than 10% of the eligible U.S. population donates annually.
“Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. The donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour,” said Michael Tedesco, regional communications director at American Red Cross from the Western New York region. “Our current blood donor base is at a 20-year low, but the need for lifesaving blood products never decreases, so donors are providing a lifesaving service to others.”
Here are five frequently asked questions about donations.
1 — What is the blood donation process?
Generally, blood donation takes between 45 to 90 minutes. A nurse or technician at a donated area asks you for essential information such as your address, phone number and driver’s license. In addition, you will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and the places you traveled. Donors will have their temperature, hemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse checked. Experts suggest wearing a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with loose-fitting sleeves to make it easier to donate.
“We will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand–new, sterile needle for the blood draw. This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds,” said Tedesco. “After you are done, people spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments to allow your body time to adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume.”
The plasma from donations is replaced within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That’s why at least eight weeks are required between whole blood donations.
2 — What should I do after donating blood?
After donating blood, participants walk toward a separate area to get a drink and a snack to eat. Nurses or technicians monitor to make sure there is no light-headedness or other symptoms.
“Do not do any heavy exercising or lifting,” said Tedesco. “If the needle site starts to bleed, raise your arm straight up and press on the site until the bleeding stops because you could experience dizziness or loss of strength.”
In addition, if a bruise appears, apply ice to the area intermittently for 10-15 minutes during the first 24 hours. After that, apply warm, moist heat to the area for the same length.
3 — Why should people donate blood?
When someone has surgery, gets into an accident or has an injury, they may lose a lot of blood. Some diseases cause anemia that requires blood replacement. Blood is in constant demand for various medical procedures, surgeries and to treat patients with conditions such as anemia and cancer. Regular blood donations remain important to maintain an adequate and stable blood supply. Sometimes components of blood are needed such as cryoprecipitate or platelets to help the clotting process.
“Simply put, it saves lives,” he added “For trauma patients, cancer patients like those being treated for leukemia and those with sickle cell disease or other blood disorders, blood donations are literally lifesaving necessities.”
The Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply.
“To continue to meet the needs of hospitals and ensure the good health of the patients they serve, the Red Cross needs new donors to step forward and for existing donors to consider giving more frequently,” said Tedesco.
4 — What are some conditions that you would not recommend for donation?
Individuals with cancer, heart, lung and kidney issues, infections or fevers should not donate blood. Each unit of donated blood has at least 18 tests performed on it before it can be given to anyone. Those tests include hep B, hep C, HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I, HTLV-II, syphilis and West Nile.
“Generally speaking, donors must be in good overall health and meet some basic physical requirements, such as height, weight and age,” said Tedesco. “Eligibility guidelines vary with the different blood donation processes, which may range from whole blood, to plasma, to platelets. Certain medications, such as blood thinners or travel to certain areas prone to malaria, could preclude some donors from being eligible to donate.”
5 — What is the difference between regular blood donation and apheresis?
For a whole blood donation, blood is simply collected in a bag and sent for processing. This generally takes less time than other donations such as platelets or plasma, in which apheresis is used. Apheresis is the process by which platelets and other specific blood components (red cells or plasma) are collected from a donor. This process is accomplished by using a machine called a cell separator.
“Blood is drawn from the donor and the platelets or another blood component are collected by the cell separator and the remaining components of the blood are returned to the donor during the donation. Each apheresis donation procedure takes about one-and-one-half to two hours. Donors can watch movies or relax during the donation,” he added.