October 1 is World Blood Donation Day. Here’s why you should go ahead and donate blood. DR. SARANYA NARAYAN

Going for a blood donation camp is almost a daily occurrence at any blood centre. This one was no different or so we believed; all arrangements had been made and we were prepared for a certain number of donors. The difference, however, was almost immediately perceptible. There was a lot of enthusiasm in fixing the camp. The organisers had earlier approached another centre for a camp, but it was cancelled at the last minute. All the donors who had been lined up felt very disappointed. The coordinator was very anxious that this experience was not repeated. On D-day, our team was well ahead of time to set up the couches and make sure everything was ready. Within a few minutes the first few donors also arrived. This was well ahead of time; a great departure from some other camps where we needed to actually woo strapping youngsters to donate blood.

Anticipation

As the team got ready, we could hear the donors discussing what they’d had for breakfast, teasing each other about who would be fit to donate and so on. The air was full of anticipation and there was a childlike exuberance about the donors which one rarely saw. So rare that even the most taciturn of our technical staff remarked that “everyone was high”. Once the forms were filled and examined by the medical officer, the first two donors almost ran to block the provided seats lest others occupy them. Once they cleared the initial pre-donation screening tests, they were directed towards the blood donation area. They needed no second bidding and quickly got on to the couch and lay ready for the phlebotomist and the blood donation. 

During the process of donation, some staff member conversed with them while also keeping an eye on them. Most of them were graduates or post graduates; some had two or three qualifications and several were teachers for students of the 10th and 12th standards. This camp was held on August 16 at Netrodaya, whose members are visually challenged. Every donor was visually challenged to some degree. Having one sense less made them use all their other faculties to the fullest. Several walked more confidently than the camp staff and, looking at them, one would never know they were visually challenged. What touched one the most was that, rather than dwelling on their impairment, every donor was enthusiastic, feeling the urge to make their lives more meaningful by making a difference to someone else’s life. Their zest for life shone so brightly that, in comparison, we with all our faculties intact seemed almost robotic. 

Stream of donors

The camp was held just two hours and time seemed to fly with the continuous stream of donors. When the camp was over, the organiser thanked us profusely for conducting the camp. This was a role reversal for sure! We were the ones who always thanked the organisers for allowing us to conduct a camp, here they beat us to it. What the coordinator said was very poignant. He actually thanked us for respecting the donors and for permitting them to donate blood, thereby giving them the opportunity to feel less marginalised. Going for this camp was like a breath of fresh air. It was lovely to see these joyous young people. None of them was helpless or wanted our sympathy. Each had clear goals they wanted to achieve and looking at them, it will surprise me if they don’t.

The camp has made me very reflective: How is it that this group of youngsters feels more strongly about making their lives meaningful? Why is mankind so unintentionally cruel to its less fortunate members? Why can’t the healthy young population in full possession of all their faculties be more generous and giving?These donors did not hesitate to do something they couldn’t see while doing, while there are millions of us, in this country, who can see perfectly well, but who hesitate before doing something as simple as donating blood. Makes one wonder: who among us has true vision?

Website: www.jeevan.org

The writer is with the Jeevan Blood Bank and Research Centre.

‘Every time I donate blood I remember the day when my mom was admitted in hospital because of snake bite. I was terrified seeing the heavy blood loss. I was under-18, unfit to donate blood though we shared the same blood group. Somehow the doctors managed to save my mom. When I donated blood for the first time, people around me warned that I may suffer in future. But I knew that donating blood does not affect health. The last time I donated blood, my blood bag was used for an emergency case as soon as the needle was removed from my veins. I was so happy to see the old man alive and safe. I knew the value of donating blood earlier but this time I realised how important it was.’

- SOLAI PONNI, Final year, B.E. Bio medical Engineering, Prathyusha Engineering College.

‘I started donating blood when I joined college, inspired by my friends and staff. Later I started donating whenever I get a chance. I feel miserable when I see the accidents on roads and e-mail forwards on emergency need for blood leaves me shaken. As a biomedical student I know the importance of the circulatory system and the value of blood donation during surgeries and other medical procedures. I consider donating blood as a way to serve mankind. To my mind blood donation is the best donation since it is of extremely high value in emergencies. Human blood can never be the outcome of technology.’

V. SRINIVAS, Final year, B.E. Bio medical Engineering, Prathyusha Engineering College

Who can donate blood?

There are three kinds of donors: professional, replacement and voluntary donors. The first sell their blood, which is usually of poor quality. Chances of disease transmission is high. The second category comprise relatives or friends of patients who give their blood in exchange for the necessary number of units from the blood bank. The last is an act of selfless service. The donor gives his blood of his/her free will and this can be used for any patient.

 FAQs

Who is a healthy donor?

Anyone from 18 to 60 years with minimum 45 kg weight, and haemoglobin count of at least 12.5 gm%.

Is donation a long process?

No. The actual process takes around eight minutes. But including filling the form, post-donation rest it will take about 35 minutes.

Does it hurt?

There may be a stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but not otherwise.

Is there any side effect?

None. Within 24-48 hours, the blood volume or plasma is formed and this helps the donor by improving resistance and circulation. For complete replacement of red blood cells, it may take four to eight weeks.

Should the donor rest after donation?

Yes. The donor should preferably lie down for about half an hour. Routine work is fine after the rest but avoid rigorous physical work for a few hours.

Is there a special diet after blood donation?

Nothing special. After the rest, the donor is asked to drink some liquids, may be a fruit juice or coffee or milk and eat some biscuits or fruit. Nothing else is required.

How frequently can one donate blood?

To be safe, three months between each donation is ideal.

Are there any diseases that would bar the donor from donating blood?

Yes. Here’s the checklist:The donor should not have had fever for the last two weeks.If he has had jaundice, the blood should not test positive for AUSTRALIA ANTIGEN.If a donor suffers from Syphilis, Malaria, Filaria, which are transmitted through blood, he should not donate blood till he is free from them.If a donor uses drugs like Aspirin, anti-hypertensive or anti-diabetic medication, hormones, corticosteroids regularly he cannot donate blood. And lastly a HIV positive person cannot donate blood.

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