Each year, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14. This year’s theme, “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!”, expresses gratitude and appreciation towards blood donors for their invaluable contribution to saving lives.
20 Years of Giving
World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), has been celebrated every year for 20 years. The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts.
Maintaining a stable blood donation bank, where patients have access to safe blood and blood products, is a key component of an effective health system. Each year, WHO, alongside its partners and communities across the world, celebrates the day by recognising the various stakeholders for their roles in saving lives.
This year marks the second decade since its establishment in 2004, and the theme is: “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!” The 20th anniversary of WBDD gives thanks to blood donors across the world for their life-saving donations over the years and honours the profound impact on both patients and donors.
“It is also a timely moment to address continued challenges and accelerate progress towards a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible,” said WHO in a statement.
A crucial role
Blood donation is crucial for ensuring a continuous supply and an effective health system in the country. Timberland Medical Centre’s Medical Officer, Dr Everard Ives, emphasises the importance of blood donation drives as a cornerstone to help those in need.
“Blood banks rely on blood donations as it is needed to save lives. In crucial moments, such as when a patient with acute blood loss from accidents or complicated childbirth presents, transfusion is needed immediately. Hospitals also require blood transfusions for patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer or those with end-stage organ failure, especially kidney failure.”
Sharing further, he said that a bag of blood, which carries approximately 450ml to 500ml, consists of not just red blood cells but also plasma, cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor, and platelets. These sub-types are centrifuged from the donated blood to target specific situations, assisting different individuals who require what they are deficient in.
“For example, when someone has uncontrollable bleeding due to a deficient clotting factor, a certain amount of the blood sub-type, cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor, is given. Conversely, if someone is deficient in haemoglobin (the cells responsible for transferring oxygen around the body), they would only require red blood cells, not the other sub-types.”
As he shared these examples, Dr Everard said that a single donated bag of blood can help three individuals. He revealed the shelf life of each sub-type, noting that when stored properly, red blood cells last only a few weeks, while plasma and cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor can last a year.
The process of drawing blood
Blood drawing from the donor is a simple and delicate procedure and is safe. Addressing myths surrounding blood donation drives and the fear of contracting blood-related diseases, Dr Everard reassured, “The process of obtaining blood is very sterile. We use a sterilised needle for each and every individual. It’s a safe process, and relatively quick and simple.”
Furthermore, before any blood drawing, medical officers conduct a stringent procedure where blood samples are screened, including identifying the donor’s medical history and current health status.
The process of drawing blood itself only takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once finished, donors are checked to ensure they have good vital signs before leaving the premises. There is also a resting bay where donors can rest and have a light refreshment, usually glucose-rich snacks.
Dr Everard advises donors to have a good rest the day before and to eat lightly before their donation. Asked about any side effects post-donation, he said there isn’t much to worry about. However, some may feel dizzy due to the blood drawing process, but they usually recover almost immediately, he added.
‘Safe O’ protocol
While every blood type is important to ensure the right crossmatch when transfused, the medical officer said that “Safe O” can save more lives.
“Because this blood type is compatible with almost all the other blood types, including A+, B+, O+ and even AB. When someone needs a blood transfusion due to acute bleeding with massive blood loss, crossmatching between donor and recipient can take a long time.
“Doctors can decide, based on the severity of the situation, to activate this emergency protocol known as ‘Safe O’ transfusion. While critically resuscitating a patient in dire need of a blood transfusion, a ‘Safe O’ protocol can be useful while awaiting proper blood group typing. Time is of the essence, and the patient’s condition can worsen due to massive blood loss. A ‘Safe O’ transfusion can save a life within minutes until the hospital can obtain a proper match,” revealed Dr Everard.
Once a blood transfusion occurs, the patient will be monitored for any further side effects. If any arise, they can be detected through an increase in temperature or instability of vital signs, said the doctor.
“The most severe side effect is a life-threatening allergy known as anaphylaxis. Nonetheless, it isn’t common. Patients are usually monitored for 24 to 72 hours for any side effects.”
Encouraged to participate
According to the doctor, the body takes four to eight weeks to replenish blood cells. Hence, a donor can partake in blood donation up to four times a year, or about once every three months.
Eligible donors are those aged 17 and above, weighing over 45 kilogrammes. Encouraging more people to donate, Dr Everard said that those who are young, healthy, and fit can be more actively involved in blood donation campaigns.
In Malaysia, blood donors are entitled to medical privileges offered by the Ministry of Health, such as free outpatient treatment at any government hospital and a free Hepatitis B vaccination.
