Blood donation is a vital part of healthcare.
Many people donate their
blood for a noble cause to help and save the lives of others. Nothing is
comparable to the preciousness of human blood. In spite of so many
innovations and discoveries in medical science, there is no laboratory that
manufactures blood. It can only be found in the human body. So, the only
way through which blood can be used to save lives is by voluntary
donation. Hence, blood donation is the only way of accumulating blood at
safe storage to meet emergency requirements.
Importance of Blood Donation
Emergencies occur every minute, and blood is the most important
component that is required during the treatment. Whether it is accidental
injuries, burns, diseases, children suffering from ailments like
Thalassaemia, bleeding disorders, Leukaemia, Blood Cancer, all require
blood. Accidental injuries require blood during operation when a huge
amount of blood is shed from the body. Also, in various types of major or
minor surgical operations, blood is required for transfusion. The
unavailability of blood may cost lives. Hence, the importance of blood
donation is tremendous. This is the greatest gift one can give to fellow
humans. Voluntary blood donors are saviours of mankind. If someone
really loves and cares for oneself, the only way to express it is to donate
blood voluntarily. Moreover, safe blood transfusion comes under legal
protection as it is life-saving.
Role of Blood in Body
The role of blood in the human body is unique. Blood is made up of
several useful components such as Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells,
Platelets, Plasma and selected Plasma Proteins. These components
perform special functions in the body. Red Blood Cells (RBC) transport
oxygen throughout the body; White Blood Cells (WBC) constitute the
body’s defence mechanism; Platelets help in stopping bleeding, and
plasma transports proteins, including antibodies. Blood also evacuates
waste products from all organs of the body.
Each of these components can be separated from the donated volume of
blood and transfused into a patient depending upon the requirement.
Thus, many can benefit from one unit of blood.
There are four main blood groups, i.e. A, B, AB and O. Group O is the most
common blood group found in human beings, and therefore, it is mostly in
demand.
About Blood Donation
Blood donation is safe and simple. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes
to complete the blood donation process. The average amount of blood
present in an adult is 4-5 litres, or about 8% of the body weight. The body
is constantly generating new blood cells. A person can donate blood 168
times during the ages of 18 to 60 years. The quantity of blood present in 1
kg of body weight is 76 ml for males and 66 ml for females. Out of this 8
ml/kg body weight is donatable. Males can donate blood after every 3
months while females after every 4 months.
Blood collected from voluntary donors are stored at blood banks, and it
will be readily made available to needed patients on a replacement basis.
Fear of needles, fear of pain, fear of the sight of blood, fear of future
weakness, fear of possible ill effects, objection from elders, ignorance
and illiteracy etc., are all reasons for many people who are hesitant in
donating blood. All these myths and misconceptions are vanishing from
society with the help of education and knowledge.
What are the benefits and side effects of blood donation?
Blood donation is safe for healthy adults, however some of the side effects of
blood donation could be
1. Some people may feel nauseous,
2. Lightheaded or dizzy
Benefits of blood donation are
1. It can be a life saving action
2. It may help in improving cardiovascular health and reducing obesity of the
donor.
3. Red blood cells you lose during donation are completely replaced within 4
to 8 weeks. This process of replenishment can help your body stay healthy
and work more efficiently and productively.
Conclusion
Every year countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor
Day on 14th June. The event is conducted to raise awareness for
blood donation. It is also celebrated to thank voluntary and unpaid
blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.
“The gift of blood is the gift of life. There is no substitute for human
blood. Blood cannot be manufactured, it can only come from
generous donors”.
