Blood donations are essential for millions of people every day. In the United States alone, blood is needed every 2 seconds. In lower income countries, a majority of blood transfusions are given to children under 5 years old. Individuals with cancer or blood diseases like sickle cell anemia need multiple transfusions in their lifetime. This need is compounded by the short shelf life of blood. Blood only lasts up to 42 days. One of the most crucial blood components, red blood cells, only lasts up to 35 days. This review provides an overview of common blood categorizing systems, blood donation types, individuals that can be donors and the blood donation process . BLOOD TYPES ABO Group System Blood can be categorized into four groups: A, B, O or AB. This categorization system is called the ABO group system. ABO designation depends on the type of carbohydrate sugars on the surface of red blood cells. These sugars are attached to an antigen on the cell surface called the H antigen. If the H antigen contains N-acetylgalactosamine, it is considered an A antigen. Individuals with A antigens only have type A blood. If the H antigen contains D-galactose, it is considered a B antigen.

Blood donation is a relatively simple procedure that makes a huge difference in other people’s lives. While blood collection takes approximately 10-50 minutes, the whole process can take up to 3 hours depending on the blood component donated. Preparation For Blood Donation Process Prior to donating blood, the donor should assess their health and only give blood if they do not feel sick. It is also important to eat a hearty breakfast or lunch before donating devoid of fatty foods as they can alter blood test results. Prior to Blood Donation Donors will answer some questions about their health. These questions are of a personal nature in order to ensure that the donor’s blood is safe, although the blood will also be tested for quality as well following donation. A health care provider will also measure the donor’s vitals (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure) and give him/her a finger stick test to determine whether he/she has enough iron to donate. Blood Collection During the process, the health care provider drawing blood will temporarily stop blood flow to the lower arm by tightening a band around the donor’s upper arm. This is done so that the veins in the lower arm become more visible and aid placement of the needle.

Blood Transfusion Risks And Complications There are minor risks related to blood collection. The materials used for each donation are new, sterile, and disposable so there is virtually no risk of blood-borne infection. Since only a pint of blood is collected per donation, the donor can continue with normal daily activities after recovering for a few minutes. The body replenishes the plasma after 24 hours and red blood cells are replaced in approximately 6 weeks. Some experience minor temporary bruising at the collection site. In rare cases, phlebitis—inflammation of the vein—may occur. Swelling can be reduced by applying ice for 10-15minutes on the first day and then a warm compress to the area multiple times a day. A multicolored bruise may be visible for up to 10 days. Those with clotting problems may also experience continuous bleeding. Drink lots of liquids and get plenty of rest. Blood Transfusion Risks Mild side effects In most cases, transfusion has little to no side effects. These side effects include headaches, itchiness, difficulty breathing, a rash or a fever. Any side effects experienced can be easily treated with medication. In some cases, more severe side effects may be experienced such as extreme difficulty breathing, chest pains, and low blood pressure.

Blood Donation Overview Global Scenario: Demand Despite the large donations made from high-income countries, most donations (65%) are used for blood transfusions in low-income countries for children less than 5 years old. Blood transfusions made in high-income countries are typical to patients older than 65 years of age. Supply As expected, there is a major difference in the availability of blood for transfusions in different countries. Countries with high levels of donation, such as the U.S. and other major blood donating countries, have more blood available. However, many low- and middle-income countries make very few donations and thus have very limited access to blood. These counties are primarily in Africa (38 countries). Other countries with limited access include 5 in the Americas, 6 in the Mediterranean, 5 in Europe and 14 in Asia. Donors A total of 112.5 million blood donation is made each year around the world. Most of these donations, approximately half, are from first-world or high-income countries, even though they only make up one-fifth of the world’s population. While in the U.S. half of blood donors are women, globally only about 30% of women donate. In some countries, less than 10% of donations are from women. Most donors in low- and middle- income countries are more likely to be young than in high-income countries.

Conditions That Require Blood Transfusion Millions of blood transfusions are needed every year for various reasons. Recommended Read:  Overview Of Blood Donation Serious injuries/surgery A common need for blood donations is after a major disaster causing excessive bleeding has occurred such as a road traffic accident of a natural or another disaster. The average car accident victim can need as many as 100 pints (4.5 liters) of blood. Blood donations are also needed for casualties of war. Although not necessarily a major injury, blood may also be needed when a large amount of blood is lost through other mechanisms such as surgery. Infections There are a number of severe infections that can prevent the body from producing different blood components. Blood-related conditions Red Blood Cell Disorders Anemia is an illness resulting from a deficiency in red blood cells or abnormal hemoglobin— an iron-rich component of red blood cells that carries oxygen to all the cells in the body. As a result, individuals with this condition feel lethargic. Some forms of anemia are so severe that they need to be treated with blood transfusions. Iron-deficiency anemia: In severe cases of iron deficiency, anemia can be treated in the short term with a blood transfusion.