Who Can’t Give Blood?

Jul 21, 2010 Posted Under: Blood Donation, Questions   Read More

Although most people are potentially able to give blood, some are not.Blood Bag

There are a variety of reasons why we might ask you not to give blood, but they fall into two main categories. Firstly, if evidence suggests that donating blood could potentially harm you, then to protect your safety we would ask you not to donate. Secondly, if evidence suggests that your donation could potentially harm the patient receiving it, then we would ask you not to donate.
This would include the situation where a specific behavior may have put you at a higher risk of an infection which could be transmitted to a patient by blood.

If you are not able to give blood we know this can be disappointing. However, we hope you will understand that our overriding responsibility is to ensure the safety of donors and the safety of blood for patients.

You should not give blood if:

  • You’ve already given blood in the last 12 weeks (normally, you must wait 16 weeks).
  • You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore.
  • You’re currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days or have had any infection in that last two weeks.
  • You’ve had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.
  • You’ve had a tattoo, semi-permanent make up or any cosmetic treatments that involves skin piercing in the last 6 months.
  • You have had acupuncture in the last 4 months, unless this was done within the NHS or by a qualified Healthcare Professional registered with a statutory body.
  • A member of your family (parent, brother, sister or child) has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease). To view the position statement on CJD click here.
  • You’ve ever received human pituitary extract (which was used in some growth hormone or fertility treatments before 1985).
  • You have received blood or think you may have received blood during the course of any medical treatment or procedure anywhere in the world since 1st January 1980.

You may not be able to give blood if:

  • You’ve had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you’re taking medicines may prevent you from donating.
  • You’ve had complicated dental work. Simple fillings are OK after 24 hours, as are simple extractions after 7 days.
  • You’ve been in contact with an infectious disease or have been given certain immunisations in the last four weeks.
  • You’re presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests.
  • You do not weigh over 50kgs (7st 12).

Pregnancy

  • You should not give blood if you are pregnant or you are a woman who has had a baby in the last 9 months.

Travel abroad

Please wait 6 months after returning from a malarial area before giving blood. Please also tell us if you have visited Central/South America at any time. (Those who’ve had Malaria, or an undiagnosed illness associated with travel, may not however be able to give blood.)

The special problem of HIV and Hepatitis viruses

  • Every single blood donation is tested for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and hepatitis B and C.
  • Infected blood isn’t used in transfusions but our test may not always detect the early stages of viral infection.
  • The chance of infected blood getting past our screening tests is very small, but we rely on your help and co-operation.
  • People who carry these viruses may feel healthy for many years.

You should never give blood if:

  • You have ever had syphilis, HTVL (Human T – lymphotorpic virus), hepatitis B or C or think you may have hepatitis now
  • You’re a man who’s had sex with another man, even safe sex using a condom. For more information click here.
  • You’ve ever worked as a prostitute.
  • You’ve ever injected yourself with drugs – even once.

You should not give blood for 12 months after sex with:

  • A man who has had sex with another man (if you’re a female).
  • A prostitute.
  • Anyone who has ever injected themselves with drugs.
  • Anyone with haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder who has received clotting factor concentrates.
  • Anyone of any race who has been sexually active in parts of the world where AIDS/HIV is very common. This includes countries in Africa.
  • Please do not give blood if you even think that you need a test for HIV or hepatitis, or if you had sex in the past year with someone you think may be HIV or hepatitis positive.
  • Never give blood to get an HIV test.
  • Donors can get further information about these and other issues by contacting the special doctors. Information is provided on who can and cannot give blood, how to become a blood donor and where to donate.

Tips for a Successful Donation

Jul 1, 2010 Posted Under: Blood Donation   Read More

By following a few recommendations before, during and after your blood donation can help you make your donation experience as safe, successful and pleasant as possible.

Before Your Donation

  • Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich foods, such as spinach, red meat, fish, poultry, beans, iron-fortified cereals and raisins.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.
  • Drink an extra 16 oz. of water and fluids before the donation.
  • Eat a healthy meal before your donation. Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries or ice cream before donating. Tests for infections done on all donated blood can be affected by fats that appear in your blood for several hours after eating fatty foods.
  • If you are a platelet donor, remember that your system must be free of aspirin for two days prior to donation.
  • Remember to bring your donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of ID.

During Your Donation

  • Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
  • Let the phlebotomist know if you have a preferred arm and show the staff any good veins that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood.
  • Relax, listen to music, talk to other donors or read during the donation process.
  • Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating.

After Your Donation

  • Drink plenty of fluids over the next 24-48 hours to replenish any fluids you lost during donation.
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours after donation.
  • If you feel light headed, lie down, preferably with feet elevated, until the feeling passes.
  • In rare cases when bleeding occurs after removing the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm for 3-5 minutes. If bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours.
  • Enjoy the good feeling that comes with knowing that you may have saved as many as three lives.

FAQs About Donating Blood

Jul 1, 2010 Posted Under: Blood Donation   Read More

Is donating blood safe?
Donating blood is a safe process. Needles and bags used to collect blood are used only once and then discarded, making spread of infection to the donor not possible.

Can I give if I have been turned down before?
Most reasons, for which donors are turned away from donating blood are temporary, not permanent. For example, one common reason for a deferral is low iron level in the blood, but iron levels fluctuate daily and are affected by what you eat. Check the eligibility requirements to see if you may be eligible to donate. A “mini-physical” is given to all potential donors to ensure they are healthy enough to donate.

How often can one give blood?
Regulations in the Pakistan allow people to donate whole blood once every 3 Months. The waiting period between donations can be different for other blood components. For example, donating only platelets in a process called apheresis requires only a 9 day wait before a person can give again. Donating two units of red blood cells through a similar process doubles the waiting period to 6 Months.

How do I know if I am eligible to donate blood?
You must be in good health, be at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. You will also need to pass physical and health history reviews prior to donating. There is no upper age limit on your ability to donate. Conditions that require a temporary deferral are pregnancy, travel to certain parts of the world, inoculations, some health conditions and certain medications. Eligibility is determined by medical professionals at the time of donation.

Are the health history questions and my test results confidential?
Yes. The health history will be conducted by a trained professional in an individual booth arranged to preserve confidentiality. Your answers will be kept confidential, except where required by law. If your blood tests positive to any of the administered standard tests, you will receive confidential notification.

What can I do if I am not eligible to donate?
While you may be unable to donate blood, there are other ways you can help. You can help organize a blood drive, recruit other suitable donors, or volunteer at fixed sites or mobile blood drives to help make donors’ experience a positive one. Monetary donations are another way to help ensure that safe blood can be provided to those who are in need.

How can I ensure a pleasant donation experience?
You’ll want a good night’s sleep the night before, and a good breakfast or lunch before your donation. Drink fluids like juice, milk, or soda ahead of time. Take your normal medications as prescribed. Ensure you have adequate iron level by making iron-rich foods part of your daily diet. These include red meat, poultry, fish, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified cereals, nuts, raisins and prunes. During your donation, relax. After your donation, have some juice and cookies in the canteen. Then you can go about your daily activities, but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day.

Should I give blood now or wait until I am called?
Under normal circumstances eligible donors are encouraged to donate as often as possible.  During emergency circumstances please listen to media reports in your area and donate as requested.

How long does it take to donate blood?
The whole process takes about an hour. It starts with registration, a health history and a mini-physical. Then comes the actual donation, which usually takes less than 10-12 minutes. Afterward, you will be asked to spend a few minutes in the “canteen” where you can have a light refreshment before returning to your normal activities.

How much blood is taken — won’t it make me weak?
A blood donation equals approximately one pint of blood. The average adult body has 10-12 pints. The vast majority of people will not feel any different because of the donation. A very small percentage may experience temporary dizziness, but some rest and fluids will help you feel better quickly. Your body will replace the lost fluid within 24 hours.

What will happen to my blood after I donate?
Each blood donation is assigned a unique number, which will identify it throughout its path from the donor to a hospital patient. Immediately after the blood donation, the blood is placed in transport containers designed to keep it at a safe temperature until it reaches a laboratory. Samples of the blood donation are simultaneously sent to laboratories to be tested for transmissible diseases. In the component lab, the blood is separated into its components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma. The products are then placed in quarantined, temperature-controlled refrigeration units until the test results are received (usually 12-16 hours later) and the blood can be released for distribution or destroyed. From local distribution centers, the blood is transported to hospitals based on patient need. Hospital personnel then transfuse the blood or blood products to a patient in need.

Can I direct my blood donation to an individual?
Patients scheduled for surgery may be eligible to donate blood for themselves in the weeks before non-emergency surgery in a process known as autologous donation. If an autologous donation is not used, it is discarded. Family members and friends can also make directed donations. Directed donations are fully tested, so if they are not used by the intended patient, they can be released for use by other patients.

Source : http://www.givelife2.org/donor/faq.asp

Blood Donation Process

Jun 30, 2010 Posted Under: Blood Donation, Questions   Read More

Donating blood is safe and simple. The entire process, from registration to refreshments, takes approximately one hour. Strict procedures for every step of the process ensure the safety of the donor and of the blood supply. Every measure is taken so that the donation is safe for the donor and the blood recipient.

Step 1
You need to be at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more to give blood. Bring proper identification.

Step 2
Drink plenty of fluids the day you plan to give blood

Step 3
When you get to the blood drive or blood center, you’ll need to register. As mentioned above please have your ID with you. Also be prepared to answer any questions regarding your health and medications you may be on. This is done strictly to protect you and ensure they are receiving healthy blood. If you mention a health problem that prevents you from giving blood a staff member will let you know.

Step 4
They also check your iron. This is done by pricking your finger with a devise and then they drip a couple drops of blood into a test tube. It is only a quick prick and does not leave a scar (though you will leave with a bandage on your finger :-)

Step 5
A blood pressure check is also done. They also check your temperature and take your pulse as well. Only if they feel by your physical appearance.

Step 6
When you are done registration, they’ll have you sit an wait awhile for your turn. Expect to be there for about 60 minutes total time. The actual donating of blood takes only about 15 minutes.

Step 7
When you are called, you’ll lay on a table. They’ll sterilize the area they are going to prick. They’ll ask you first if you are allergic to Iodine before doing this.

Step 8
Then they stick you with the needle. I’m not a big needle fan but it is not too bad. You’ll lay there about 15 minutes with the needle in your arm, squeezing and rolling a small object in your hand (which I think is to keep the blood circulating and the vein big, could be wrong though :-)

Step 9
When you are done, they’ll remove the needle, give you a bandage and you need to have some thing to bring your sugar level up again.

Step 10
Some people report being a little dizzy after giving blood so as a precaution they’ll have you sit there and eat your snack or drink juice. Also Drink plenty of fluids prior to giving blood.

So here you go, very simple procedure of donating blood.

Feedback

Jun 29, 2010 Posted Under: How to use Pakblood   Read More

Aslamo Alikum

Dear brothers and sisters,

As this is the very first post on the blog of Pakblood. We would like to start it with your feedback and comments. If you have any questions you can directly ask it here.

Waiting for your comments.

Pakblood Team.