![]() ![]() These questions are designed to ascertain that it is medically safe for you to donate blood and that the recipient of your blood will not be harmed in any way. A medical history is taken by means of a written questionnaire. What is the procedure when I donate blood?įirstly, you will be asked to provide personal details such as your name, address, age, weight, ID number and/or date of birth. Some patients have antibodies against a specific blood type and in these circumstances it may be difficult to find blood from a regular blood donor which is compatible with that of the rare type of the patient.īefore every blood transfusion, compatibility tests are performed on the blood of the patient and on the blood of the donor, to ensure that the transfused blood will not cause any untoward reaction in the recipient.įirst-time blood donors are notified by mail of their ABO blood group and RhD type, after the blood has been tested in the BTS laboratory. This would be recognised as a “rare” blood type. ![]() Alternatively, some individual's red cells lack an antigen which is common to most people. Occasionally, people have an unusual, specific red cell antigen. In addition to these ABO blood groups, people's red blood cells consist of many other antigens as part of their red cell structure. group A, B, AB, or O and RhD negative or RhD positive. ![]() What does it mean to have a rare blood type?Įvery person has an ABO and rhesus blood group: i.e. Patients rely on voluntary blood donors to provide red blood cells, platelets and coagulation factors, to meet their medical needs. When the patient's haemoglobin level, platelet level or coagulation factor level falls below a critical point, blood transfusion is the only option. They are frequently used in the initial treatment of patients, for example in the ambulance or in the operating theatre, while blood is being obtained from the blood bank. These solutions are not recognized as “blood substitutes” but are blood volume expanders. In cases of trauma or during surgical operations, the volume of blood which is lost by the patient may initially be replaced with synthetic solutions (crystalloid or colloid solutions) such as normal saline. These oxygen carriers circulate in the bloodstream for a short period and are usually used only as an interim measure. This is available in very limited quantities internationally. Substances designed to carry oxygen, such as a haemoglobin solution prepared from cattle's blood, are currently being evaluated. Each one of these blood components has an important role, and any one of these components may be used in the treatment of patients with certain medical conditions. The main function of platelets and the coagulation factors is to prevent and stop bleeding. The main function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to the tissues and remove carbon dioxide. However, we hope you will understand that our overriding responsibility is to ensure the safety of donors and the safety of the blood for patients.īlood is made up of different components and each component has its own important function. We know it can be disappointing if you are not able to give blood. If you are in any doubt about whether you should donate blood, please discuss it with a staff member. The mission of the blood transfusion service is to provide all patients with sufficient, safe, quality blood and blood products. If any of the deferral criteria apply to you, or if for any reason you think that your blood may be unsafe to transfuse to a patient, you are advised not to donate. People whose sexual behaviour places them at increased risk of transmitting infections through transfusion are also not permitted to donate. This is designed to protect the health of the donor as well as the health of the patient who receives the blood.įor example, people who have certain medical conditions or who are taking certain types of medication are not permitted to donate blood. The criteria, which are applied before a person can be accepted as a blood donor, are very strict. ![]() Donors should be between the ages of 18 and 65, weigh at least 50 kg and not have donated blood within the previous 12 weeks (for males). ![]()
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