Blood Donation

This coming June 26 2011, Our Lady of Fatima University, Red Cross Youth (RCY) Organization of Philippine Red Cross (Quezon City Chapter) will be having a Blood Letting Activity at SM Fairview, Quezon City. This is a very important activity of RCY because of shortage of blood in the blood bank. 

First let us define Blood donation, it is a voluntary donation of blood. The Donor is also asked about medical history and given a short physical examination to make sure that the donation is not hazardous to his or her health, the amount of blood may vary.

Screening:

Donors are typically required to give consent for the process and this requirement means that minors cannot donate without permission from a parent or guardian. You will be screened if you have decreased RBC, Hemoglobin,Hematocrit, if you have a family history of Diabetes, HIV, Hepatitis and others. Those problem can be seen if you are going to donate a blood. If positive in any of those you are not required to donate that is also for the safety of the recipient of the blood.

Recovery:

Donors are usually kept at the donation site for 10–15 minutes after donating since most adverse reactions take place during or immediately after the donation. Blood centers typically provide light refreshments or a lunch allowance to help the donor recover. The needle site is covered with a bandage and the donor is directed to keep the bandage on for several hours.

Complications:

Donors are screened for health problems that would put them at risk for serious complications from donating. First-time donors, teenagers, and women are at a higher risk of a reaction. One study showed that 2% of donors had an adverse reaction to donation. Most of these reactions are minor. Hypovolemic reactions can occur because of a rapid change in blood pressure. Fainting is generally the worst problem encountered. Bruising of the arm from the needle insertion is the most common concern, i experience Bruising after they get the sample of my blood when i entered college. Don't worry about this complications, everything is manageable and trained personnel will do the preparations and withdrawing of blood.

Benefits:

Donating blood may reduce the risk of heart disease for men, but the link has not been firmly established. Donating blood cleanses your system since new blood cells are being produce from your bone marrow. Also, you will be prioritized if you will be the one who will be needing blood.

We will be providing a certificates as a recognition in participating our Blood Activity. We are encouraging all of you to donate blood not just during this kind of activity but as a must for you to help those in need.

ImNurseJennie