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WHO ARE VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONORS?

Voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors are the lifeblood of a community and are considered to be the source of the safest blood and blood products for patients. Their donation is an altruistic gift and NOT a marketable commodity. This places them in a unique position, demanding special respect and care; it also places a responsibility on all involved in public health care to treat voluntary blood donors as VIPs.

WHY DONATE BLOOD?

Blood is the living fluid that all life is based on. Its a river flowing within us, thus we can say it as AMRUTDHARA. Blood is composed of 60% liquid part and 40% solid part. The liquid part called Plasma, made up of 90% water and 10% nutrients, hormones, etc. is easily replenished by food, medicines, etc. But the solid part that contains RBC (red blood cells), WBC (white blood cells) and Platelets take valuable time to be replaced if lost. This is where you come in. The time taken by a patient's body to replace it could cost his/her life. Sometimes the body might not be in a condition to replace it at all. As you know blood cannot be produced anywhere else other than human body, it can only be donated. Every year India requires 40 million units of blood out of which only a meager 50% is available. Saving a life does not require heroic deeds. You could just do it with a small thought and an even smaller effort by saying "yes" and being a part of "Hum Laal Bharat Maa Key".

WHO NEEDS BLOOD?

Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. Your blood helps more than one life at a time. Accident victims, premature babies, patients undergoing major surgeries require whole blood, where your blood after testing is used directly. Patients suffering from trauma, anemia, and other surgeries require only red blood cells, which is separated from your blood. The procedure of splitting blood components is called Cytapheresis. Similarly blood platelets are used for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or for those undergoing treatment for dengue fever etc. Fresh frozen plasma is used for patients having massive transfusions, plasma is used for burns and cryoprecipitate is used for hemophilia.

WHO CAN DONATE BLOOD?

Anyone between 18 to 60 years weighing more than 50 kgs can donate blood. Some other conditions to donate blood are: The donor should not have donated blood in the last 3 months. The donor should not have undergone any major surgery within 3 months. The donor has not had alcohol 48 hours before the donation. The donor should avoid smoking on the day of donation and 3 hours after donation. The donor should not have fever at the time of donation. The donor should have had a good meal before donation. The donor should disclose whether he is under any medication for malaria, jaundice, etc. The donor should not have had any tooth extraction in the past 2 weeks. The donor should not be pregnant. The donor should not have had any immunization at least one month before.

TIPS ON BLOOD DONATION

"I will feel drained and tired after donating" - You will not feel drained or tired if you continue to drink fluids and have a good meal. "I cannot resume normal activities" - You can resume all your normal activities, though you're asked to refrain. "I will have low blood" - If you are okayed to donate by the doctor you will still have surplus blood after the donation. "I can't take alcohol..." - You can on the next day. "It will be painful while donating" - No, you will not feel any pain. "I will feel dizzy and may faint" - You will not faint or feel uncomfortable after donating blood. "I may get AIDS!" - No! Make sure disposable syringes are used and all measures are taken to keep you germ free. "My blood is common. I don't think there will be demand for it" - That is why the demand for your type is greater than for rare types.

The reasons for not donating blood are:

Fear of the needle Fear of pain Fear of sight of blood Fear of future weakness Fear of possible ill effects Objection from the elders Apathy Indifference Social taboo Medical excuses Story of wastage of collected blood Ignorance and illiteracy Blood is sold at a high premium Inconvenience due to location and timing of blood collection Apprehension of post donation reaction Has never been asked personally.

Motivators should also know the reasons for blood donation by the present microscopic inority. Reasons for donating blood are:

Altruism Service to the community Sense of social duty Gaining experience Personal obligation Personal appeal Social pressure Group pressure For helping friends or relatives For blood donor card For recognition and awards Checking up health Reciprocity to pay back the social debt For- knowing blood group Seeing others donating blood Celebrities appealing to donate blood Motivators should appreciate that in the materialistic world of today

The donor has some expectations

Expectations are: Cordial reception Painless bleeding Clean and hygienic environment Blood group and credit card Proper utilization of blood Availability of blood in later time of donor’s need Transparency of blood transfusion service