The demand for blood is constant, yet only a small percentage, approximately 3% of eligible individuals, donate blood annually.

Blood plays a vital role in the survival of patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatment, managing chronic illnesses, and recovering from traumatic injuries. The demand for blood is constant, yet only a small percentage, approximately 3% of eligible individuals, donate blood annually. Ensuring a consistent supply of blood is crucial since it can only be stored for a limited period before use. To guarantee that blood is readily available whenever and wherever it is needed, it is essential for more healthy people to donate blood regularly.

Here are some interesting facts about blood donation:

#1 You can donate only your RBCs.

This is called a Power Red donation which is a specialized type of blood donation where a donor’s blood is processed through an automated system (apheresis) to separate and collect only the red blood cells. During a Power Red Donation, the donor’s blood is drawn through a needle in one arm, and the automated system separates the red blood cells from the other blood components, such as platelets and plasma. The remaining blood components are then returned to the donor’s body through a needle in the other arm.

This type of donation allows for the collection of a higher volume of red blood cells compared to a regular whole-blood donation. Power Red Donations provide an efficient way to maximize the impact of a single donation by focusing on the component most needed for patients requiring red blood cell transfusions.

A similar procedure is available to donate only plasma or platelets, as per the donor’s desire or the hospital’s requirement.

#2 Not everyone can donate blood.

Under certain specific conditions, a few people are not permitted to donate blood. The following individuals are ineligible to donate blood:

• Individuals with a congenital coagulation factor deficiency.
• Individuals who have evaluated positive for HIV.
• Individuals who have had babesiosis, a rare and severe tick-borne disease, or the parasitic infection Chagas’ disease.
• Individuals who, within the past 12 months, have had close contact – lived with or had sexual contact — with a person who has viral hepatitis.
• Individuals who have used injected drugs, steroids, or any non-prescribed substances in the past three months.
• Men who have had sexual contact with other men in the past three months.
• Individuals who have engaged in sex in exchange for money or drugs in the past three months.

#3 You can donate blood even if you have Diabetes.

If you have diabetes and wish to donate blood, it is generally considered safe to do so. However, it is important to effectively manage your diabetes and maintain good overall health before donating blood. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

Your doctor may also prescribe specific medications to assist in managing your diabetes, which should not impact your ability to donate blood. Individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are eligible for blood donation. Discuss with your doctor before donating blood.

#4 You need to be aged 18 to 65 to donate blood.

The World Health Organisation recommends that an individual should be 18 to 65 years old, in order to donate blood. Additionally, the person should at least 45kg and have a haemoglobin content of no less than 12.5g/hundred ml.

Minors cannot give blood because they are not of legal age to consent to the procedure. As for older people, the age limit is rather blurry. It depends on the general health of the individual and if he/she has already donated blood in the past. People aged 60 and above are not encouraged to donate blood if it is their first time. If they have regularly donated blood in the past, then the upper age limit is 65 – all that matters is that the person is healthy and of the right weight at the time of donation.

#5 In an emergency O-negative blood can be given to anyone.

Red blood cells possess antigens, which are surface proteins. Among all blood types, only type O-negative blood lacks antigens. Because of this, type O-negative blood does not elicit an immune response, even when the recipient has a different blood type. Blood type A contains the A antigen, while blood type B contains the B antigen. In contrast, blood type AB has both A and B antigens, whereas blood type O lacks any antigens.

Our immune system functions to safeguard us against intruders like bacteria and viruses. It recognizes the antigens present in our own blood type but may activate a defensive response if it detects antigens from another blood type. If an incompatible blood type is administered during a transfusion, the body may initiate a counterattack, potentially endangering the patient’s life.

#6 AB plasma can be given to any individual.

The liquid component of blood is known as plasma, constituting approximately 55% of our total blood volume. The remaining 45% comprises red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that are suspended within the plasma. Plasma is frequently administered to patients experiencing trauma, burns, shock, severe liver disease, or multiple clotting factor deficiencies. It serves to augment the patient’s blood volume, thereby aiding in the prevention of shock and facilitating blood clotting.

Individuals with type AB blood are encouraged to consider donating plasma. Type AB blood is the sole universal plasma, meaning it can be transfused to patients of any blood type. Consequently, type AB plasma transfusions can be promptly administered without the need for time-consuming compatibility tests to determine the patient’s blood type, thus preserving crucial moments.

#7 AB Positive Blood type is the Universal Recipient

When an individual possesses a particular blood type, their immune system generates antibodies against the antigens they lack. For instance, someone with Blood Group A lacks B antigens in their red blood cells, resulting in the production of antibodies against the B antigen (known as anti-B) by their white blood cells. These antibodies are present in their plasma.

In the field of transfusion medicine, it is crucial to ensure that patients receive red blood cells that are compatible with their blood type. Equally important is to avoid transfusing plasma-containing antibodies that could harm their red blood cells. Individuals with type AB+ blood are considered universal recipients because they lack antibodies against A, B, or Rh antigens in their blood. As a result, they can receive red blood cells from donors of any blood type.

#8 Whole Blood donors are at risk of Iron deficiency if they donate too frequently.

While donating blood is a commendable act, you must not do so by endangering your life or compromising your own health. Doctors advise regular whole-blood donors to maintain a minimum of 3 months gap between two successive donations. Likewise, there should be a 9-month gap between two successive Power Red donations. Those who fall short of this gap frequently put themselves at risk of Iron Deficiency.

Always inform your doctor about your previous donation and ensure you are safe and ready for the next one.

Reviewed By:

DR.ANITHA.R

CONSULTANT – MICROBIOLOGY

MBBS, MD( MICROBIOLOGY)