BLOOD DONATION

BLOOD DONATION

DESCRIPTION:

• Nutrients and hormones are transported around the body in blood.
• Its constituent fluid is plasma, in which blood cells are suspended.
• White blood cells (neutrophills and lymphocytes) guard against infection, red blood cells (erythrocytes) transport oxygen, and platelets help the blood to clot.
• Blood donation requires cross matching system.
• Document the necessary information about the blood transfusion in the client's medical record (follow agency guidelines).
• Include the client's tolerance and response to the transfusion and the effectiveness of the transfusion.

HOW TO PREPARE TO GIVE BLOOD:

• Drink enough water (2 extra cups).
• Avoid heavy exercise and heavy lifting.
• Eat a healthy meal (high in iron).
• Enough rest before blood donation.
• Be in good general health and feeling well.
• Rest and relax before blood donation.
• You must be healthy and not sick.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

BLOOD GROUP COMPATIBILITY:

ELIGIBLE BLOOD DONORS:

Blood donors must be:

• In good general health
• At least 17 years old in most states
• 16 years old with parental consent
• At least 110 lbs

*Requirements vary by state and age check with American Red Cross.

TYPES OF BLOOD DONATIONS:

AUTOLOGOUS:

• A donation of the client's own blood before a scheduled procedure is an autologous donation; it reduces the risk of disease transmission and potential transfusion complications.
• Autologous donation is not an option for a client with leukemia or bacteremia.
• A donation can be made every 3 days as long as the hemoglobin remains within a safe range.
• Donations should begin within 5 weeks of the transfusion date end at least 3 days before the date of transfusion.

BLOOD SALVAGE:

• Blood salvage is an autologous donation that involves suctioning blood from body cavities, joint spaces, or other closed body sites.
• Blood may need to be "washed", a special process that removes tissue debris before re-infusion.

DESIGNATED DONOR:

• Designated donation occurs when recipients select their own compatible donors.
• Donation does not reduce the risk of contracting infections transmitted by the blood; however, recipients feel more comfortable identifying their donors.

BLOOD DONATION PROCESS:

REGISTRATION:

• You will fill out some forms, read about donating blood, and eligibility and donation information will be discussed.
• You must bring with you:

1. Donor card (if you have one).
2. Driver's license (or another form of ID)
3. List of medications (if you are taking any)

MINI PHYSICAL:

• In a private and confidential interview.
• You will be asked about health and travel history.
• Donation staff will also check your:

1. Temperature
2. Pulse
3. Blood pressure
4. Hemoglobin level (via small blood sample)

DONATION:

• A blood donation typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
• However, certain types of donations can take up to 2 hours.
• Including:

1. Platelets
2. plasma

REFRESHMENTS:

• Have an extra glass of liquids and a snack after you donate blood.
• After 10 to 15 minutes, you can leave.
• Once you leave:

1. Do not drink alcohol over the next 24 hours.
2. Remove the wrap bandage (if you had one). 1 hour after donation.
3. Keep the band-aid on for the next several hours.
4. Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.
5. Healthy donors can give once every 56 days.

AFTER DONATION:

• Blood is delivered to a Red Cross blood component laboratory to be tested for infectious diseases and processed into:

1. Red blood cells
2. Plasma
3. Platelets
4. Cryoprecipitate

BENEFITS OF BLOOD DONATION:

1. Beneficial for the human heart.
2. Reduces cancer risk.
3. Boosts the production of red blood cells.
4. Lower cholesterol level.
5. Helps in weight loss.
6. Replenishes blood.
7. Facilitates production of red cells.
8. Donors automatically warned of serious illness.

TOP 10 REASONS PEOPLE DON'T GIVE BLOOD:

1. I'm scared of needles.
2. I'm too busy.
3. No one ever asked.
4. I already gave this year/ last year.
5. I'm afraid I'll get sick.
6. I don't have enough to spare.
7. I don't want to feel weak afterwards.
8. My blood type isn't right type +/-.
9. I'm too old/sick.
10. I have a rare blood type so I'll wait until its needed.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR DONATED BLOOD:

1. A pint of blood is drawn from blood.
2. Blood is collected and labeled in a sterile bag.
3. Blood is transported to a lab for testing and processing.
4. Blood is processed and spun down into different components: plasma, red blood cells, platelets.
5. Blood is tested to ensure it is safe for transfusion.
6. Local hospitals place orders for blood based on specific needs.
7. Blood products are stored and ready for transfusion. platelets expire in 5 days, red blood cells in 42 days, plasma in 2 years.
8. Blood is transferred to patients. 1 blood donation has the potential to save 3 lives.

BLOOD DONATION FACTS:

• Someday needs blood every 2 seconds.
• 4.5 million Americans need blood transfusion every year.
• About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital needs blood.
• More than 20,000 liter of donated blood is used each day in the USA & Canada.
• 450 milliliters of blood can save up to 3 lives.

MYTHS ABOUT BLOOD DONATION:

• Someone else will donate all the blood that's needed:

although approximately 60% of our population qualifies to donate blood, less than 5%  actually do so.

Some places have shortage of blood for nearly 3 years from now.

• I could be infected whilst giving blood:

There is a clear procedure for taking blood from each donor- using sterile equipment and sterile latex gloves that are disposed off immediately single use.

At no time will a donor comes in contact with any piece of equipment or material that has had contact with someone else's blood or body fluids.

• Too much of my blood will be taken:

450-470 ml of blood is taken at one session, which is just less than a pint.

Not the armful which is commonly believed.

• I'm too old; I'm too young:

There is no an upper age limit for donation.

So long as you above 17 years of age, and you are healthy and weight at least 110 pounds (50kgs), you can safely donate blood.

• My blood group is too common:

That's right, common the blood group, more of it is required.

• I am taking medication which means I can't donate:

Depending on what medication you're on, you may be asked to wait for some time before donating, though in many cases it won't prevent you from donating at all.

As long as you are healthy and the condition is under control, you will very likely be able to donate.