SAVE LIVES WITH :

YOUR BLOOD DONATION

On June 14 the world blood donor day was observed at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) where over 1,500 voluntary blood donors and campaign organizers were felicitated for their untiring efforts in this worthy cause.

National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) also announced that they had reached the hundred percent voluntary donor base - an achievement which was only a dream to all developing countries and even most of the developed countries.

“Hundred percent of our donors are voluntary non remunerated donors,” they noted with justified pride.” No replacement or family donors are accepted to NBTS any more”, they added.

Mission

Outlining the mission of the NBTS a senior official said, “Our aim is to ensure the quality, safety, adequacy and cost effectiveness of the blood supply and related laboratory, clinical, academic and research services in accordance with national requirements and WHO recommendations. Our vision is to be a unique model for the world securing quality assured blood services, through a nationally coordinated system.”

The spokesman said that blood donations could save thousands of lives especially now with more people meeting with road accidents or for transfusions for thalassaemia victims. “One person’s blood can save as many as three lives”, he said Around 2,000 Thalassaemia patients require such infusions.

Thalassaemia is the commonest genetic disease in Sri Lanka which has been identified as a country that has an intermediary prevalence rate. Patients with the disease often children, require several transfusions to keep them alive and prevent their white cells from rising, leading to severe anaemia.

Components

Blood consists of several components.

Cells - Red blood cells, White blood cells, Platelets.

Liquids - Plasma, Proteins

A donated whole blood unit is usually separated into components before given to a patient. These separate components are given to different patients with different needs. So one donated whole blood unit can save as many as 3 lives.

So how many times can a person donate blood in his life time?

“You can donate blood in every 4 months. Blood is the only organ that can be donated without having any permanent loss. This is because the donated blood will be recovered completely in maximum 4 months time,” he said. The blood donated is all carefully screened and tested at the lab before being distributed to the health facilities requiring them.

Despite the need for blood so as to have adequate stocks in the blood bank, sources lamented that it had been found that only 2.5% of Lankans donate their blood of whom 4.13% are males and 1.15 % females.

Integral

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) established in Sri Lanka in 1950s is an integral part of the National Health Service. Its main function is to collect process and deliver safe blood, blood components and blood products through 19 cluster centres and 77 peripheral blood banks situated island wide.

Who can donate blood?

Responding to this question the NBTS outlines the following criteria to be accepted as a blood donor. These criteria are set forth to ensure the safety of the donor as well as the quality of donated blood.

o Age above 18 years and below 60 years.

o If previously donated, at least 4 months should be elapsed since the date of previous donation.

o Hemoglobin level should be more than 12g/dL. (This blood test is done prior to each blood donation)

o Free from any serious disease condition or pregnancy.

o Should have a valid identity card or any other document to prove the identity.

o Free from “Risk Behaviour”.

Risk Behaviour

o Homosexuals.

o Sex workers and their clients.

o Drug addicts.

o Engaging in sex with any of

the above.

o Having more than one

sexual partner

Type of Donors

o Voluntary non remunerated donors. (Donate for the sake of others and do not expect any benefit. their blood is considered safe and healthy)

o Replacement donors. (Donate to replace the units used for their friends or family members)

o Paid donors. (Receive payment for donation

o Directed donors. (Donate only for a specific patient’s requirement)

All those interested in donating their blood should contact the Donor section of the NBTS at Elvitigala Mw., or telephone 2369931 or email: [email protected]

- C.A.