BLOOD DONATION....

 WHAT IS BLOOD DONATING?

=A blood donation occurs when a person voluntarily has blood drawn and used for transfusions and/or made into biopharmaceutical medications by a process called fractionation. Donation may be of whole blood, or of specific components directly. Most of the blood donors are unpaid volunteers who donate blood for a community supply. In some countries, established supplies are limited and donors usually give blood when family or friends need a transfusion (directed donation). Many donors donate for several reasons, such as a form of charity, general awareness regarding the demand for blood, increased confidence in oneself, helping a personal friend or relative, and social pressure. Despite the many reasons that people donate, not enough potential donors actively donate. However, this is reversed during disasters when blood donations increase, often creating an excess supply that will have to be later discarded. However, in countries that allow paid donation some people are paid, and in some cases there are incentives other than money such as paid time off from work. People can also have blood drawn for their own future use (autologous donation).

HISTORY OF BLOOD DONATING:

                                Charles Richard Drew (June 3, 1904 – April 1, 1950)
                                  

=Charles Richard Drew (June 3, 1904 – April 1, 1950) was an American surgeon and medical researcher. He researched in the field of blood transfusions, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge to developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II. This allowed medics to save thousands of lives of the Allied forces. As the most prominent African American in the field, Drew protested against the practice of racial segregation in the donation of blood, as it lacked scientific foundation, and resigned his position with the American Red Cross, which maintained the policy until 1950.

TYPES OF BLOOD DONATION:

1. Whole Blood Donation=

   Whole blood is the most flexible type of donation. It can be transfused in its original form or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma, and platelets. 

   Who it helps: Whole blood is frequently given to trauma patients and people undergoing surgery.

2. Power Red Donation=

   During a Power Red donation, you give a concentrated dose of red cells, the part of your blood used every day for those needing transfusions as part of their care. This type of donation uses an automated process that separates your red blood cells from the other blood components, and then safely and comfortably returns your plasma and platelets to you.

   With just a little extra time at your appointment, you can donate more red cells and increase your impact on patients in need. 
   

   Who it helps: Red cells from a Power Red donation are typically given to trauma patients, newborns, and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss.

3. Platelet Donation=

   Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that form clots and stop bleeding. Platelets are most often used by cancer patients and others facing life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

   In a platelet donation, an apheresis machine collects your platelets along with some plasma, returning your red cells and most of the plasma back to you. A single donation of platelets can yield several transfusable units, whereas it takes about five whole blood donations to make up a single transfusable unit of platelets.

   Platelets are collected at Red Cross donation centers only and are not collected at blood drives. 
   

   Who it helps: Platelets are a vital element of cancer treatments and organ transplant procedures, as well as other surgical procedures.

4. Plasma Donation=

   During an AB Elite donation, you give plasma, a part of your blood used to treat patients in emergency situations. AB plasma can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type. Plasma is collected through an automated process that separates plasma from other blood components, then safely and comfortably returns your red blood cells and platelets to you. AB Elite maximizes your donation and takes just a few minutes longer than donating blood.

   Plasma is collected at select Red Cross donation centers.
   

   Who it helps: AB Plasma is used in emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding. 

CONCLUSION:

=A majority of the donors were willing to be regular donors. The donors showed positive effects like a sense of satisfaction after the donation. Creating an opportunity for blood donation by conducting many blood donation camps may increase voluntary blood donations.