Despite technological advances, there is still no ideal substitute with the same characteristics of blood, so your donation is very important. During the month of June, World Blood Donor Day is commemorated in order to thank the volunteers and raise awareness about its use. This year, the call takes on special relevance, since due to the coronavirus pandemic, donors have decreased by 30%.
The hematologist at the Tarapacá Clinic, Dr. Margorie Romero, said that every day, thousands of people need these donations to stay alive and that thanks to the donation “a blood component is obtained, also called a blood component, taken from a donor of blood”.
The professional highlighted that, currently, the blood donation rate is 17 per thousand inhabitants, a condition that according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is below the optimal rate, which consists of 20 per every thousand inhabitants.
Dr. Romero pointed out that the donor contributes to the recovery of patients whose improvement depends on blood components, such as red blood cells and platelets. “This donated blood allows the recovery of patients who have undergone major surgeries, which represent a greater risk of complications, such as hemorrhages or bleeding” and detailed that head, neck, chest, abdomen surgeries, and all those that involve vessel repair blood, heart or brain are the ones that most require it.
On the other hand, the professional pointed out that there are certain myths about donating blood that contribute to the decrease in donors and added that “many times people are afraid of contracting HIV-AIDS or other diseases during blood extraction. However, this is not possible, since all the material used for the donation is sterile and disposable ”and he stressed that donating blood is safe.
The hematologist also stated that it is often thought that hypertensive and diabetic people cannot donate, which she denied indicating that if the patient has their pathology controlled with the respective medications, there are no problems for donating blood, and emphasized that it is extracted less than half a liter to people who weigh more than 50 kg, so the donor’s health is not affected.
WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST BE FULFILLED TO BE A DONOR?
The hematologist at Clínica Tarapacá, Dra. Margorie Romero, explained that there is a belief that blood is only needed in emergency cases, “but blood is needed every day, for scheduled surgeries and patients undergoing treatments, in addition to situations emergency and accident victims, for which immediate availability is required ”and stated that those who wish to donate blood must comply with the following indications:
● Be between 18 and 60 years old.
● Weigh more than 50 kilos.
● Have breakfast or lunch prior to donating. Never attend on an empty stomach.
● Have not had a tattoo or piercing in the last 12 months.
● Do not engage in risky sexual behaviors.
● Do not undergo an operation in the 12 months prior to donation.
● Have not had an endoscopy or colonoscopies in the past 12 months.
● Avoid smoking, at least 6 hours before donation.
● Not be pregnant or have had a delivery in the last 6 months.
Dr. Romero recalled that part of the requirements of the process are “to carry your identity card at the time of attending the donation site, and answer a survey prior to blood extraction” and that after donating blood, you should drink fluids from abundantly and do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day, in addition to refraining from exercising for at least 24 hours and avoiding driving a vehicle for two hours.
Finally, the Tarapacá Clinic professional reported that currently in Chile there is a donor rate three times lower than that recommended worldwide and made a call to remember that “there is no better blood replacement than blood itself. A blood donation can benefit up to three people in serious or urgent conditions. Donuts blood is an act of generosity and love ”.
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