Introduction

Less than 45% blood in our country comes from Voluntary Blood Donors. Only about 40% of the blood collected each year is donated in developing countries which are home to over 80 per cent of the world’s population. The average number of blood donations per 1,000 population is 12 times higher in high-income countries than in low income countries. The only way the problem of blood shortage and consequent pain and deaths can be solved is by a regular supply of blood from safe Voluntary Blood Donors.

Why we ask some people not to give blood

THIS AIMS TO EXPLAIN WHY WE ASK SOME PEOPLE NOT TO GIVE BLOOD AND HOW THIS IMPROVES THE SAFETY OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION. Principles of selecting donors We know people who volunteer to donate blood do so with the very best of intentions, but unfortunately there are many groups of people who, for various reasons, we ask not to donate either for a short period of time or forever. This request can be very upsetting to some people and so our decisions are not taken lightly.

Complete History Of Blood Transfusion

One of the earliest accounts of the circulation of blood was by the Arabic scholar, mathematician and physician Ibn-al- Nafis2 who, in 1260 AD, described the 'minor circulation' of blood in the body. This was more than 250 years before William Harvey described the continuous circulation of blood around the body in 1616,3 which he published in 1628.4 The advent of the understanding of human anatomy and the circulation of blood gave rise to experimentation in transfusion techniques involving animal-to-animal and animal-to-human procedures.

Quotes on Blood Donation

  • Be a blood and organ donor. All it costs is a little love. -Author Unknown
  • Blood is that fragile scarlet tree we carry within us. -Osbert Sitwell
  • Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. -William James
  • Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him. -Albert Schweitzer
  • In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy. -Karl Reiland
  • How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world. -William Shakespeare
  • We cannot live only for ourselves.

    • Fainting

    The effects of blood donation are aggravated by various factors.
  • People who weigh less than 7st 121bs (50kg) are more likely to faint if they give blood because they lose relatively more of their blood volume than larger people.

    • Bruising

    What is bruising? Bruising is caused by bleeding under the skin. For example, a hard knock which does not break the skin can damage fragile blood vessels which lie just beneath. These damaged blood vessels leak a small amount of blood, which collects in the area as a bruise. With time, the familiar blue-black discoloration changes to green, then yellow and eventually fades and disappears.

    Post Donation Problems

    Bruising Although we hope that no donor will have any ill effects from giving blood, occasionally bruising of the arm may develop. The bruise can look very dramatic and some people may find this worrying, especially if it appears away from the donation area or is not visible until the next day. Bruising can look very nasty, but it is usually harmless and will disperse with time. Follow the link below for more.. Fainting It is important to be aware that some donors feel faint after giving blood. During blood donation 8-10% of the blood volume is removed.

    While you donate

    On arrival at a blood bank, you will be asked to fill a few details on a donor form. After you pass this simple medical screening process, you will be escorted to a blood donation area. The actual blood donation takes about 10 minutes. While the blood is being taken you must keep pressing the sponge provided. That ensures good blood circulation. Please do not get up immediately after donating blood. You must allow the blood flow in the body to normalize by lying down for 5 more minutes.
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