Donating Blood / Blood Components (Platelets / Stem Cells)

Whole Blood Donation

  • Why give blood?

Giving blood saves lives. Blood is a lifeline in an emergency and for patients who need long-term treatment.

  • Why everyone capable should give blood?

New blood donors from all ethnic backgrounds are needed to ensure there is the right type of blood available for patients in need.

  • How is donated blood utilized?

Blood or blood components are used to treat patients with medical conditions, such as anaemia, cancer and blood disorders, medical/clinical emergencies as well as those in surgery.

  • Blood components

Blood is made of a number of components, including red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Each of these are used to treat different conditions.

Blood is usually separated into individual components or parts, so patients can be given the particular component they need.

This optimizes every blood donation, as the components in one unit of blood donated can be used to more than one patients.

Donation can also be for some specific components instead of whole blood.

  • Blood transfusion

Blood transfusion is the process wherein donated blood or component is given to a patient via a line into a vein.

Around two thirds of blood is used to treat medical conditions including anaemia, cancer and blood disorders.

Nearly one third is used in surgery and emergencies including childbirths and accidents.

Usage varies between hospitals depending on their particular specialties.

LBC works closely with hospitals to ensure judicious use of donated blood.  

The demand for blood from hospitals has fallen due to increased efficiency, but new donors are always needed to make sure there is enough blood to treat those who need it.

  • Blood transfusions for people who are dying

Blood is vital for people with medical conditions and in surgery needing blood. Blood transfusion can also improve quality of life for people whose illness has no cure and who need blood transfusion support to survive.

Donating Platelets

Platelets help to stop bleeding and can be a lifeline in critical patient conditions.

Registration as a donor for apheresis at LBC as a single donor – platelet:  

  • On arrival at LBC :  
    • Filling the donor registration form - a short questionnaire about medical, lifestyle and travel history.
    • Reading information about giving platelets.
    • Health screening - to check eligibility to donate and suitability of platelets to give to patients.
    • It’s important to answer all questions honestly. All information shared is confidential.
    • Checking pulse and veins to confirm fitness to donate.
    • Signing the consent form to confirm understanding the procedure of platelet donation.
    • Giving a blood sample to carry out mandatory tests before donation.
    • Your registration is complete.

Platelets Donation - Process:

    • Donating a unit of platelets (1 bag) can take up to 90 minutes.
    • Donor relaxes on the donation chair which is lowered for suitable resting position.
    • A cuff is placed on the arm to maintain a little pressure throughout donation.
    • Skin is cleaned before inserting a needle in the arm. The needle is attached to a tube which goes into a platelet machine.
    • Blood travels through the needle and tube and into the machine. This machine spins the blood and removes platelets.
    • The extracted platelets directed to & stored in a bag. The rest of the blood is returned to the body.
    • Donor can watch TV, use phone or just relax.
    • Snacks and drinks are available throughout the donation.
    • The process is closely monitored. In case of any discomfort, or issues, the donation process is terminated.
    • As red blood cells are returned to the donor during the donation itself, it allows the donor to donate platelets at every 15 days with maximum limit of 24 times in a year.

After Donation :

  • The needle is removed, and a dressing is put on the arm.
  • Donation chair is slowly raised to an upright position to allow the body to adjust.
  • Adequate post-donation care and advice is rendered.

Post donation tips :

  • Eat and drink.
  • Keep the pressure on dressing on the arm for about 30 minutes, and the plaster on for 6 hours.
  • Avoid using the donation arm to carry very heavy weight for rest of the day.
  • Avoid having hot bath after giving platelets.
  • Avoid heavy exercise on the day of donation.

In case of any symptoms (other than a cold or cold sore), please call LBC 02812234242.

Link:

Registration as a willing blood donor.

A booklet – FAQ regarding blood donation