Blood cannot be manufactured, it can only come as a gift from a person. One thoughtful move from us can save a life. Patients undergoing surgery, experiencing heavy blood loss due to accidents, liver cirrhosis or other diseases require immediate blood transfusions in order to save their lives. There is a need to encourage regular blood donation. If all eligible donors donate on a regular basis, blood needs would be met and there would be no shortages in blood banks.
It is a completely safe process. A sterile disposable blood collection bag is used only once for each collection. Blood donation is not a tedious procedure. Skilled and specially trained technicians perform the procedure and take just a few minutes. It is a simple four step process which includes registration, medical history, donation and refreshments. An average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his body and roughly one pint is given. One can donate either whole blood or specific components of blood only.
There are no harmful effects of blood donation. Within a period of 24-48 hours, the same amount of new blood gets formed in the body which helps the donor in many ways. His own body resistance improves, the circulation improves and it can reduce the risk of heart disease, especially among youngsters. A healthy person can donate blood once in three months.
However, a donor should be above eighteen years of age, should not be underweight, should not be suffering from any infectious or chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. Pregnant women should also not donate blood. All donated blood is tested for infectious diseases before being used at the hospitals.
Majority of world’s population do not have access to safe blood. Each blood donation can help as many as three people. While you may be unable to donate blood, there are other ways you can help. You can help organize a blood donation drive, recruit other suitable donors or volunteer to help make donor’s experience a positive one. Monetary donations are another way to help.
Come forward and join in this great service to humanity.
Dr (Mrs) Archana Bharat
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