Causecast

by CLAIRE GRINTON, Contributing Writer

In the US, most blood centers have difficulty keeping any more than a three-day supply of blood for transfusions. This means that the blood you donated last month is long gone. The need for blood, platelets, and plasma is constant, but only three in every 100 Americans donate blood, coming together to donate 81 million units of blood annually. Baby boomers currently account for the most blood donations, but they are rapidly reaching the age when medications and health issues bar them from being able to donate. At the same time, they are the largest age cohort of the world population and require more donated blood for their own health, quickly using much of the supply they once supported themselves.

While some communities often have more blood than they need, others are constantly in need. The Red Cross has created a sharing program, which gives surplus to communities in need; this is particularly important in the wake of disasters. Because of the short shelf life of blood, it is crucial that citizens create a habit of blood donation. If you were to donate blood today, it could be separated into four components, helping to save multiple lives. So consider donating today and read these helpful tips for sharing a life-giving donation.

Remember that some blood types are in greater need than others.

Type O Negative blood can be given to anyone, regardless of their blood type, and is invaluable in cases with unidentified victims and large-scale disasters. Type AB Negative is also incredibly valuable, as it is present in only 1% of the population. Each blood type has its own limitations and abilities. To find your blood type, you can ask your doctor next time you have blood drawn, or better yet, donate blood through the Red Cross; they will send you a card six weeks after your donation to tell you your blood type and let you know that your donation was successful.

Giving blood is an incredibly easy process. Head over to the Red Cross blood donation website and find a blood drive near you (and be prepared to prove that you are 17, and weigh at least 110 pounds). Because the whole process takes only about 20 minutes, walk-ins are almost always welcome, though the site allows you to set up an appointment. Once you’ve committed to donating blood, there are a few precautions you should take to prepare yourself for the procedure:

1. For 24 hours beforehand, do not smoke or drink alcohol.

2. On the day of your donation, drink lots of liquids, specifically those with added electrolytes. These will help replenish your body after the donation.

3. Arrive a bit early and be prepared to give some health history.

4. The procedure takes an average of 8-10 minutes and will include filling multiple vials with blood.

5. It is common to feel light-headed or dizzy during or after the procedure. Take any snacks or juice they offer you, as it will help get your sugar level back to normal and ease the symptoms.

6. Rest for an hour after the procedure, and avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. Be certain that you are feeling back to normal before driving.

7. Eat a low-fat meal within five hours of donating and keep pushing electrolyte-rich fluids.

The World Health Organization recommends four tests are done on your donated blood. While practices will differ from one blood center or drive to the next, most will test for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and Syphilis. You will be notified if they cannot use your blood for this or any other reason.

While your body can handle more regular donations, it is suggested you stick to one donation of whole blood every eight weeks.

Donating Platelets

Platelets help control bleeding and clotting, and can be siphoned out of your blood through a process called apheresis. This process takes longer than whole blood donations, typically around two hours, and for this reason most centers do not take walk-ins. The first time you go, you will have to confirm that you are 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. They take blood from one arm, process the platelets, and then return the blood back into your body, upon which your body will replenish its platelet supply fully within 48 hours. Be sure to avoid taking aspirin for 48 hours before donating, as it will compromise your donation. Prepare to feel a drop in body temperature; don’t be alarmed, as this is normal. However, let those at the center know if you start to feel ill.

Donating Plasma

The final donation you may choose to make is plasma, the property in your blood that transports water and nutrients to all the cells in your body. This is used for patients who require a transfusion after suffering burns, shock or trauma. The first time you go to donate plasma, it will take a few hours, but the process ultimately takes about 30 minutes. Before you are approved for plasma donation, you must pass a physical examination and be tested for a number of problems. There are also some limitations on donations if you recently got a tattoo or a piercing, but those limitations vary from state to state.

You can donate plasma up to twice a week, though be aware that this will take a lot out of you! (No pun intended. No, really.) You will also be compensated for your plasma at most locations, around $35 per donation.

Each of these donations can save lives, at literally no cost to you. Find a donation center today!

Photo by crispichikin, flickr