What are the benefits of a blood transfusion?
Blood transfusions save the lives of thousands of patients world-wide every day.
Blood is a life-saving ‘drug’ that when correctly administered, relieves morbidity and reduces mortality.(1)
These are some of the benefits your donated blood can provide for patients in need:(2)
1. Increase low haemoglobin levels: low haemoglobin can cause damage to body organs and tissues due to low oxygen levels.
2. Help stop bleeding: bleeding may not be controlled if platelets and/or clotting factors are low.
3. Keep the heart pumping: low blood volume can lead to low pressure and the heart may not be able maintain the circulation of blood.
4. Help with serious blood infections when other methods fail.
5. Provide red cells and platelets when the bone marrow is compromised: as with blood cancers, bone marrow transplants,
chemotherapy.
6. Provide red cells and platelets for patients with blood disorders: such as sickle cell, thallasemias, myelodysplasia, aplastic anaemia.
7. SAVE SOMEONE’S LIFE.
Is it safe to donate blood?
Yes. You will only be accepted as a blood donor if you are fit and well. The needle and blood bag used to collect blood come in a sterile pack that cannot be reused, so the process is made as safe as possible.(3)
What are the types of blood donors?
There are 3 types of blood donors:(4)
-
- Voluntary unpaid
- Family/replacement
- Paid.
- An adequate and reliable supply of safe blood can be assured by a stable base of regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors. These donors are also the safest group of donors as the prevalence of bloodborne infections is lowest among this group. World Health Assembly resolution WHA63.12 urges all Member States to develop national blood systems based on voluntary unpaid donations and to work towards the goal of self-sufficiency.
What are the health benefits of Donating Blood?
For blood donors, rolling up your sleeve comes with some surprising health benefits. Here’s what you get when you give blood:(5)
-
- A Free Health Screening
- getting a mini-physical examination
- screened for infectious diseases you may be unaware of
- A Healthier Heart and Vascular System
- Regular blood donation is linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks.
- A Happier, Longer Life
- People usually donate because it feels good to help others, and altruism and volunteering have been linked to positive health outcomes, including a lower risk for depression and greater longevity.
- Decreases Iron Overload
- Hemochromatosis is a condition wherein iron accumulates in the blood in harmful levels.
- Added Bonus: A Free Snack
What are some Blood Donation Tips?
- Drink plenty of water.
- Staying hydrated makes it easier to find your veins and helps prevent you from becoming light-headed after donating.
- Eat well beforehand
- Don’t skip breakfast and be sure to eat snacks offered to you after you donate.
- Take iron tablets
- The American Red Cross recommends that individuals who donate blood frequently take an iron supplement or a multivitamin with iron.
- Get plenty of rest before and after donating
- Take friends and family with you
- For support, help and to encourage more donors.
Paticitpate in this blood donors survey for the public
References
1. Armstrong B. Benefits and risks of transfusion. ISBT Sci Ser. 2008;3(2):216–30.
2. Center SB. Benefits of Blood Transfusions [Internet]. Stanford Blood Center. 2012 [cited 2024 Apr 13]. Available from:
https://stanfordbloodcenter.org/benefits_of_blo/
3 .faqs-blood-donations_who.pdf [Internet]. [cited 2024 Apr 13]. Available from: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/searo/blt/faqs-blood-donations_who.pdf?sfvrsn=79f5a757_1
4. Blood safety and availability [Internet]. [cited 2024 Apr 13]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blood-safety-and-availability
5. Fishman L. NewYork-Presbyterian. 2024 [cited 2024 Apr 13]. The Surprising Health Benefits of Donating Blood. Available from: https://healthmatters.nyp.org/the-surprising-benefits-of-donating-blood/
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