Blood donation

Blood donation is a selfless act that can save lives. There are various types of blood donations, each designed to address specific medical requirements.

Type of blood donation

 Whole blood donation is the most frequent type of blood donation. In this process, you donate approximately one pint (about half a liter) of whole blood. This blood is then separated into its individual components: red cells, plasma, and sometimes platelets.

key point
  • Whole blood donation is the most prevalent type of donation.
  • Blood from a single donation can be separated into two components: red blood cells and plasma.
  • An average adult has about 10 pints of blood, but a typical whole blood donation is just 1 pint.
  • Red blood cells have a limited shelf life, lasting only 6 weeks (42 days).
  • The process of donating whole blood takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
  • You can donate whole blood every 56 days, and we encourage regular donations.

During apheresis, you are connected to a machine that collects and separates various components of your blood, such as red cells, plasma, and platelets. The machine then returns the remaining parts of the blood back to you. 



A. Platelet Donations

Platelet donations are a unique type of blood donation. Blood is composed of various parts, or components: red cells, plasma, and platelets. Among these, platelets are particularly valuable because they constitute a small portion of our blood and only survive 5-7 days outside the body. This means that once a donor completes their donation, the platelets will be utilized by a patient in a local hospital within a week.

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  •  Platelets are small, disc-shaped cells that help with blood clotting.
  • They are commonly donated to cancer patients, organ recipients, and those undergoing heart surgeries.
  • Patients in need of platelets often require multiple transfusions, making frequent donations crucial.
  • Platelets have a short shelf life of only 5 days.
  • Individuals with A, A-negative, B, B-negative, AB, or AB-negative blood types are highly encouraged to donate platelets.
  • Donors are connected to a machine that extracts platelets and some plasma, returning the red cells and most of the plasma to the donor.




B. Plasma donation Plasma

It is an essential and nutrient-rich component of blood. Collects the liquid portion of blood, known as plasma. Plasma aids in blood clotting and contains antibodies that contribute to fighting infections. It is often administered to individuals in emergency and trauma situations to assist in controlling bleeding.

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  • Plasma is the light yellow liquid in your blood, comprising 50% of the total blood volume. It contains proteins that aid in controlling bleeding and fighting infections.
  • Plasma is used to treat various bleeding disorders and is given to patients who have experienced major traumatic injuries.
  • Plasma can be frozen and stored for up to a year.
  • If you have type AB blood, you are a universal plasma donor.
  • Donors are connected to a machine that separates out plasma and returns red cells to the body.



C. Double red cell donation

Double red cell donation enables you to donate a concentrated amount of red blood cells, which are responsible for delivering oxygen to your organs and tissues. The donated red blood cells are commonly administered to individuals who have experienced significant blood loss due to injury or accident, as well as those suffering from anaemia (low haemoglobin levels).

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  • Red blood cells are the most frequently transfused blood component.
  • Donors are connected to a machine that collects the red cells and returns most of the plasma and platelets to the body.
  • Donations from type O donors are critical for maintaining blood levels in the body.
  • Double red cell donors with type O, O-negative, B, or B-negative blood types, as well as donors with Rh-negative blood, are in high demand.
  • Donors must meet higher haemoglobin and height-to-weight requirements to donate double red cells.

Screening 

Donors typically need to consent to the donation process and meet specific criteria such as weight and haemoglobin levels. This requirement means minors cannot donate without permission from a parent or guardian. In some countries, answers associated with the donor’s blood, but not their name, ensure anonymity. In contrast, in countries like the United States, names are kept to create lists of ineligible donors. If a potential donor does not meet these criteria, they are termed ‘deferred,’ as many may be eligible to donate later.

The donor’s race or ethnic background can sometimes be significant because certain blood types, particularly rare ones, are more prevalent in specific ethnic groups. Historically, in the United States, donors were segregated or excluded based on race, religion, or ethnicity, but this practice is no longer standard.

Blood testing

Blood types (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factors are identified for transfusions. Testing includes hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis, with some countries varying in additional tests due to cost.

Type O negative is known as the universal donor for red blood cells and whole blood, while AB positive is the universal donor for plasma and platelets. Testing for donated blood includes high-sensitivity screening for diseases like STDs, with confirmatory testing used for accuracy.

The World Health Organization recommends core tests for donated blood, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV (types 1 and 2), and syphilis. Some countries do not implement these tests universally due to cost, using additional tests for specific infections based on local requirements.

 

Why Your Donation Matters?

Blood, platelets, and plasma cannot be manufactured; they rely entirely on donations. Patients in need of these vital products depend on the generosity of people like you. First-time donors often discover that the donation process is straightforward and incredibly fulfilling, knowing they’re saving lives.

Here’s why your donation is so impactful:

  • A single donation can save up to three lives.
  • On average, a red blood cell transfusion requires three pints, equivalent to three whole-blood donations.
  • Each year, over one million people are diagnosed with cancer, many requiring frequent blood transfusions during chemotherapy.
  • Type O-negative whole blood is universally transfusable, yet it’s scarce and often in short supply.
  • Type AB plasma is compatible with all blood types, making it invaluable, but it too faces shortages.