BY ZAHID ZAKI
THE general public is aware that blood is divided into four categories, namely O, A, B, and AB. Since school days, we have been taught that these blood groups have their respective pairings that can be either accepted or not, depending on the blood group of an individual.
A universal donor, an individual classified in the O blood group, can donate to anyone regardless of blood group but can only receive blood from the O group.
Meanwhile, a universal recipient, the AB blood group, can receive blood from all existing blood groups but can only donate to the AB blood group.
Blood types A and B can donate to their respective blood groups and to AB blood only.
However, Malaysians need not worry about the blood supply, as it has been determined that the majority of the population in the country consists of 40 per cent O blood type, followed by 25 per cent each of blood groups A and B, and 10 per cent AB.
Here, Head of the Transfusion Services and Blood Bank Department of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Dr Mohammad Marin Md Zahrin speaks to New Sarawak Tribune’s sister paper, Suara Sarawak, on more information regarding blood banks in the state.
Q: Can you disclose the current situation of the blood supply at the SGH?
A: Having an adequate supply of blood is crucial for treating patients such as accident victims, pregnant mothers experiencing bleeding complications, premature babies, cancer and thalassemia patients, and those undergoing major surgeries, and it is needed at all times.
Currently, the blood supply stock at the SGH is sufficient and at a safe level, and the SGH Blood Bank is still able to supply blood to hospitals to treat patients as needed.
However, if blood donors do not come forward to donate blood regularly, it will indirectly impact the blood supply stock at the hospital. Therefore, regular blood donations are crucial to ensue that the current blood supply stock is always sufficient and can provide adequate and safe blood to patients.
The SGH Blood Bank is very grateful that there are still blood donors coming forward, and we hope that healthy individuals will also donate blood at this time to increase the blood supply in hospitals.
For information, the available blood is used depending on the current demand or need.
For example, in the past two weeks, a lot of platelet components have been used, which can be said to be one of the most commonly used types of blood for patients with leukaemia, anaemia, and other conditions.
Of course, these diseases also do not discriminate against adults or children. If they have a low level of blood components, they will require support from the blood bank.
Therefore, once again, we urge the public to continue to come forward to donate blood. Especially during the school holiday season, try to spend time with your family to engage in this activity. Make blood donation an act of social responsibility.
Q: Can you explain the importance of blood donation to the community?
A: The supply of blood is crucial in saving the lives of individuals in need, especially those who require frequent blood transfusions, such as patients with thalassemia, leukaemia, dengue fever, and others.
It is also essential for those who experience bleeding or significant blood loss due to accidents, bleeding during childbirth, patients undergoing surgery, and so on.
On average, almost 150 units of blood are needed throughout Sarawak for use by around 100 patients daily.
Meanwhile, Kuching alone requires about 500 units of blood within a week. Looking at the whole country, almost 2,000 units of blood are required for use by approximately 1,000 patients per day.
Therefore, we always need support from the local community to ensure that the supply is at an optimum level.
It should be noted that the blood supply in a hospital also depends on the type of specialist or non-specialist hospital, as well as hospitals without specialists and the number of beds provided in a hospital.
Thus, the figure for the optimum blood level cannot be determined as it depends on the category of hospital from time to time.
For example, in SGH, the optimum level of blood supply needed is based on the mentioned requirements, which are 500 units of blood per week as a minimum level.
Therefore, the current supply of 1,000 units of blood is more than sufficient. This optimum number is also evaluated from time to time, taking into account factors or situations such as disasters, the emergence of new hospitals, the occurrence of endemics such as COVID-19, and so on.
Q: What is your view on the public’s awareness of the blood supply?
A: Without a doubt, the level of public awareness, especially in our state, is very encouraging and demonstrated by their daily visits to hospitals to donate blood.
On average, we receive 40 to 50 individuals per day for blood donation. This is what we have observed, and there has been an increase in the number of donors among the community compared to before.
Looking at last February, there was an increase of 18 per cent in the number of donors compared to the same month of the previous year. Therefore, we can see that public awareness has been increasing over time.
We also want to emphasise that, from before the COVID-19 pandemic to the current endemic situation, Sarawak has never experienced any critical issues regarding blood supply. It can be said that this is our best achievement.
Moreover, the sufficient blood supply resulting from the high public awareness to donate blood has enabled us to assist other states like Sabah that also requires blood supply.
Therefore, considering the demand and supply of blood, we do not have any problems. We are very grateful to patients and the community for their awareness and commitment to helping the blood bank provide an adequate supply.
Q: Describe the efforts made to promote blood donation among the public.
A: We are aware that in this modern age, social media plays a crucial role in disseminating information to various segments of society. Regardless of age, this platform is an initiative for us to spread the importance of blood donation to those in need.
Therefore, we believe that using social media as a tool to share information is appropriate for this era, and it enables us to interact with the public. Currently, our Facebook page, “Blood Bank Hospital Umum Sarawak,” has over 40,000 followers.
We make the most of this platform by sharing more information and posts related to blood donation, as well as responding to any questions asked by our followers regarding any related issues.
This effort indirectly recruits new blood donors and encourages existing donors to continue their regular donations. In addition, we can also call back donors who have not donated blood for a long time to participate in this healthy activity again.
Moreover, we continuously conduct physical promotions, depending on the activities we have planned.
For example, we recently collaborated with the Kuching Water Board to celebrate Health Day. We attended as speakers and held an exhibition related to the importance and benefits of blood donation.
We aim to encourage more agencies, regardless of whether they are government or private, to collaborate and increase public awareness.
We also promote blood donation through various platforms, such as radio, television, digital advertising displays, LED screens by local authorities, and mass media, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Communications and Digital, the Ministry of Education, and more.
All these efforts aim to broaden public awareness and optimise the use of available platforms, ultimately enhancing blood donation promotion.
I also hope that this matter will be exposed in schools and higher education institutions so that young people understand the function of blood components and the importance of blood donation.
The Malaysian population is ageing, so we target young people to participate in this healthy activity. We aim to increase the number of donors aged 17 to 30.
We have made various efforts to promote the importance of blood donation among young people, and we hope it will have a positive impact and encourage more people to donate blood in the future.
Q: To encourage the public to donate blood, can you share the benefits of practising this deed?
A: We often hear that donating blood can save at least three lives. The unit of blood that we donate will be processed and separated into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
Therefore, three lives can be saved with one bag of blood or one donor.
Individuals who donate blood can receive many benefits from this act. For example, before donating blood, they need to go through the process of identifying their blood type.
Then, they undergo a blood pressure check and a haemoglobin level test. These brief examinations can ensure whether our body is in good condition or not.
Furthermore, the benefits that can be felt after donating blood can stimulate the body to produce new blood cells. For information, new blood cells can improve our ability to carry oxygen. Thus, the donor’s body will feel healthier and fresher.
Moreover, donors can also improve their cardiovascular (heart) health by donating blood. According to a study in the United States, they found that if donors donate at least every six months for those aged 43 to 61, it can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke.
A second study at a university outside the country showed that the risk of developing heart disease decreased by 88 per cent compared to those who did not donate blood.
In terms of calories, a group of researchers from a university outside the country revealed that at least 650 calories can be burned when donating blood. The calories burned are more than when we run for an hour. However, we cannot burn calories through blood donation frequently, as this activity can only be done once every three months.
In addition, donating blood can also help a person increase their sensitivity level. There was a survey conducted at a university outside the country, where the majority of 528 participants gave positive responses after donating.
Among the feedback given is an increase in self-satisfaction and sensitivity levels, in addition to feeling healthier than before.
Apart from health factors, frequent blood donors are also likely to receive benefits from the Ministry of Health (MoH). Donors will still receive at least two free Hepatitis B vaccines at any blood bank.
Other privileges provided include qualifying for free treatment for outpatients and receiving first or second-class medical treatment. It depends on how often or how many blood donations have been made before, as recorded in the blood bank.
They only need to obtain confirmation from the blood bank and request a letter to receive all these privileges. All these efforts are made to encourage donors to continue donating while attracting new donors.
Q: For the purpose of knowledge sharing, can you share how much blood is taken in one donation and its uses?
A: Certainly, there are specific standards that must be followed before taking blood from an individual. Before someone donates, their body weight must be taken into account.
The amount of blood taken is based on the individual’s weight, with 350 millilitres (ml) taken if the person weighs up to 50 kilograms (kg) and 450 ml taken if the person weighs over 50 kg.
The collected blood is placed in a special bag, which indicates whether the blood is being separated into red blood cells and plasma only (350 ml) or into three components including red blood cells, plasma, and platelets (450 ml).
The uses of donated blood vary from time to time. However, the patients who most frequently require blood transfusions are those with chronic thalassemia, cancer, kidney failure, and anaemia. These are the groups that most often need blood transfusions, but other patients also require blood based on their needs.
Q: How is the quality of collected blood maintained, and how long can it be stored?
A: For general knowledge, blood obtained from the donation process has a certain shelf life for use. Red blood cells can be used for 35 to 42 days, while platelet components can last up to five days. As for plasma, it can last up to two years, depending on the storage temperature.
Therefore, all of these blood components will expire if not used within their respective time frames.
This also applies to the blood in our bodies, which constantly produces new blood. Every 120 days, our red blood cells are destroyed, and the bone marrow produces new red blood cells.
Hence, we encourage individuals to donate blood every three months because during this time, blood undergoes a certain process.
Logically, it is a waste if the blood is not donated to hospitals because, scientifically, the blood will still expire in the body to produce new blood.
Therefore, it is better if someone donates blood rather than allowing it to be wasted through this process. At least the blood can be used for a good cause, which is to help patients in need.
As such, we always need the cooperation and support of the public to help blood banks provide sufficient supplies. All types of blood are valuable and important from one member of the community to another.
It is true that the blood will expire if not used, but it is always needed. We always strive to optimise the use of blood as best as possible.
Therefore, we always try our best to prevent wastage by predicting the usage of blood. We collect more if the demand is high and less if the demand is low.
We emphasise preventing waste and try to avoid it. Blood should not be wasted because it is not easy to obtain. It cannot be created; it can only be obtained from donors.
Q: Can you share the health factors that need to be considered before donating blood?
A: The basic criteria for blood donation require a healthy body without any health problems and a donor aged between 18 and 70 for those who have donated before and 18 to 60 years for first-time donors.
For those aged 17, written permission from their parents or guardian is required.
Additionally, the weight factor is also important, requiring a minimum of 45 kg as well as a haemoglobin level of at least 12.5 grammes per decilitre (g/dl) for women and 13.5 g/dl for men.
Female donors must not be pregnant, menstruating, or breastfeeding. Donors are also advised to have adequate sleep, at least five hours minimum.
Meanwhile, individuals who are not allowed to donate blood for temporarily are those who are not in good health, such as those who have a fever or are recovering from a dengue virus infection that occurred less than six months ago.
Additionally, those who have taken any antibiotics within two weeks before donating blood are also not allowed. If someone is taking any other medication, they must inform the serving officer.
Those who have received any vaccinations within the last three weeks are also not allowed. Furthermore, we do not allow those who have consumed any intoxicating alcoholic beverages within the past 24 hours to donate blood.
Women who are breastfeeding are also not allowed to donate blood temporarily. In addition, anyone involved in the following activities within the past six months, including a miscarriage, surgery, piercing, tattooing, acupuncture, cupping, and receiving blood transfusions, is not allowed to donate blood.
Donors are also advised not to donate blood if they suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes with complications, or infectious diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis, or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
We understand the good intentions of the community to donate blood. However, to avoid any potential risks of infection that could harm patients, donors are asked not to donate blood if they know they have HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, syphilis, or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Individuals who have engaged in high-risk lifestyles at any time in the past or present, such as engaging in same-sex relationships, sexual relationships with both genders, sexual intercourse with sex workers, free sex, taking blood injections, or being a sexual partner to those who take injections, are also advised not to donate blood.
Therefore, we also ask the public not to use this platform solely to test blood. Blood tests can be done at any nearby health clinic. We understand the pure intentions of an individual to donate blood, and if you cannot donate blood, do not give up because you can still contribute to our campaign as our organiser or volunteer.
Q: Who contributes the most to blood donation campaigns?
A: Based on observations, men donate blood more frequently than women. However, in the past five years, the percentage of female donors has increased.
In terms of age, individuals in the middle age group donate more than those in other age groups. However, donors from other age groups still participate in blood donation.
We also see an increase in the number of donors among young people aged 17 to 30 who come forward to fulfil their social responsibility. Their presence is highly welcomed, and they are encouraged to continue donating blood when the time comes.
So far, we have seen that the number of donors among those who are younger is low, but we understand the situation. Perhaps some are not healthy or have chronic illnesses that prevent them from donating.
For information, persons who just turned 60 can still donate blood, but those aged 61 and older are no longer urged to do so.
However, individuals who are generally healthy, physically fit, and regularly undergo health checkups can still donate blood even if they are over 70 years old.
Regarding the low number of blood donors among young people, it is somewhat subjective, but in my opinion, it is more related to awareness.
Compared to other developed countries, exposure to blood donation activities is introduced to the public from primary school through the curriculum, compared to our country, where only a small component related to the function of blood is introduced to students in secondary school.
Therefore, developed countries have achieved a five per cent awareness level due to these efforts, followed by other factors such as campaigns by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), strong support from the community, and so on.
In the light of this, we should target young people, starting at the school level, to produce a new generation of blood donors.
Q: What message or words are to be conveyed to the community heroes–blood donors?
We encourage blood donors to digitise their blood donation records using the MySejahtera application so that it will be easier to go through certain processes in the future.
Currently, we can update our records using this application, in line with Sarawak Premier’s desire to bring the state towards digitalisation.
However, not all areas, such as Serian, Bau, Simunjan, and others, are included yet and can only use manual methods.
Nevertheless, the officers involved can assist in updating the donor records in their respective MySejahtera applications.
For now, donors still need to bring their red book (blood donation book), and it will be synchronised with the online records. In the future, this application will replace the use of the book entirely in every area.
Through this effort, blood donors who want to donate only need to fill out the form online, which can save time compared to physically queuing at blood banks.
Meanwhile, those who want to donate blood do not need to worry about finding parking spaces, as special areas will be provided for them.
In addition to the above advantages, blood donors are celebrated during the World Blood Donor Day celebration on June 14 every year, while the state-level celebration will be held on June 25 to show the community’s appreciation for their invaluable contribution.
Awards are given to blood donors from all walks of life as a sign of appreciation. Special awards will be given to the male and female donors who donate the most, as well as to apheresis donors who use a special machine to donate either platelets or plasma only.
Related parties who also assist blood banks in collecting blood will also receive recognition and appreciation as an encouragement to continue this noble effort.
