A lot of people are afraid of blood and needles. That is why they often refuse to donate blood in blood banks.
Why is there a need for us to donate blood?
In the United States alone, about 36,000 people need blood transfusion every day. Imagine the numbers if we’re talking about the whole world! Red Cross Statistics show that only 50.37% of people can actually receive the blood transfusion since there is a huge insufficiency in blood supply in blood banks worldwide. Eventhough around 38% of the total population can donate blood, only 10% of that actually donates blood. Also, blood cannot be manufactured, its only source is humanity.
Also, donating blood helps us clean our system. By discarding our old blood supply, the body would force our blood marrows to produce new blood. There are even claims that donating blood makes your skin glow! Aside from that, you are also lowering your risk of acquiring cancer.
Procedures in donating blood
After signing up for blood donation, your blood pressure will be taken using either a manual or automatic sphygmomanometer. Usually, an automatic sphygmomanometer like the Digital BP Rossmax is used for a faster testing. Then, a medical attendant would screen you. Series of questions will be asked which includes sexual experiences, medical history records, and many more. Then, you will proceed to a medical technologist which will take your blood for testing. Using a lancet needle, your finger will be pricked. Droplets of your blood will be placed on a glass slide while some will be placed on a capillary tube. This test will determine your blood type and if you have any blood disorders. After that, you are off to the donating room.
In that room, a nurse would prepare the bt set (blood transfusion set) then would proceed to finding the right vein. After that, the area that is going to be pierced will be sterilized using alcohol to avoid infections. A 16 or 17 gauge needle will then be used to avoid damaging the red blood cells that will flow through the needle. The needle is attached to a long tube and a blood bag which collects your blood. It is placed on a scale that would measure on how much blood has been taken. About 450mL of blood will be taken from you.
After the entire process, you might feel a little dizzy or the pierced part might bruise. An ice bag 6” is usually advised to be placed on the area to avoid swelling. In cases where there is bruising or swelling, do not be alarmed! It is normal and would usually go away in a few days.
So what are you waiting for? Donate now and save lives!
Want to learn more about BT Sets? Visit at us at our site Philippine Medical Supplies!
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