Many happy returns

Every day 3 000 units of blood are transfused to patients in dire need of blood. If it was not for blood donors who give their time and blood, blood transfusion in South Africa would not exist.

June is National Blood Donor Month in South Africa. This is a time when South African National Blood Service (SANBS) pays tribute to its 350 000 blood donors, who sacrifice their time in an effort to save lives of people in dire need of blood or blood products.

The main event during Blood Donor Month (BDM) is World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), which is celebrated on June 14, annually. The 2008 theme is: Many Happy Returns and encourages people to donate blood regularly, at least every 56 days.

SANBS has been collaborating with other stakeholders to ensure the country has sufficient blood stock during and beyond 2010, which ties in with the theme, Many Happy Returns. Only if people donate blood at regular intervals can this goal be achieved.

During BDM, SANBS staff members educate the public on the importance of blood donation through exhibitions at schools, tertiary institutions, companies, shopping centres and through promotions at its clinics countrywide. Free blood grouping will be done at certain clinics and shopping centres as well as a mini health check.

“Although we have a large number of blood donors on our panel, the usage of blood increases by 7.33 per cent year-on-year. If more people don't take up blood donation, less people will get saved,” says Dr Loyiso Mpuntsha, CEO of SANBS.

SANBS follows strict guidelines set by World Health Organisation (WHO). One of these is to accept blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors only. It's been proven that these blood donors are the safest in the world as they donate blood for altruistic reasons only, without expecting anything in return. They are also least likely to be untruthful about their risk status and lifestyle.

Since the inception of blood donation in South Africa, this criterion has been followed and SANBS is a world leader in the area of blood transfusion. In certain countries donors are still paid for their blood, which holds serious health risks for patients. WHO wants for all countries to move to a system of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors by 2012.

How safe is our blood?

South Africa's blood counts among the safest in the world. Every time a person donates a unit of blood, it's tested for HIV/Aids, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis. The organisation implemented Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) in 2005, which is the most advanced technology in the world.

It is also the most sensitive form of testing as it tests for the RNA or DNA of the virus. NAT cuts the window period significantly. Since its inception in October 2005, there have been no reports of transfusion of contaminated blood.

How does blood donation process work?

The entire blood donation process takes about 30 minutes. The same Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is followed with every blood donation:
1) A blood donor is given the pamphlet: Are you donating blood for the right reasons, to read. This pamphlet contains information on safe blood transfusion and risk behaviour.
2) If the donor thinks his blood is safe for transfusion, a donor questionnaire is completed. This questionnaire has questions on the donor's health and lifestyle. With every donation the questionnaire has to be completed to ascertain if it is safe for the person to donate blood and to determine if the person's blood would be safe for a patient to receive.
3) A registered nurse conducts a one-on-one interview with the donor and asks questions based on answers given in the questionnaire;
4) The donors iron level and blood pressure is taken and when this is within the permissible limit, the actual donation takes place, which takes about 15 minutes.
5) A brand new, sterile needle is used for every donation and discarded afterwards. People therefore cannot get HIV/Aids through donating blood.

What happens after the donation?

The donor will be given some refreshments to replenish the fluid lost. Normal activities can be followed and there should be no side effects.
For 24 hours after the donation, more fluid should be taken and heavy exercise with the arm used for the donation, should not be done.
It is also best not to smoke for three hours after you've donated.

What blood groups are needed most?

Four main blood groups are: Group A, B, AB and O. Each of these has a Rhesus negative or positive. Group O blood is always in demand. This is because Group O negative blood can be transfused to any patient in an emergency.

However, people belonging to Group O negative blood can only receive blood from this blood group!
At least 39 per cent of people belong to Group O positive blood, which means it is more likely to be transfused than any of the other blood groups.

Why don't people donate blood?

There are still a number of misconceptions. Main excuses are:
1) I do not have enough blood in my body. This is untrue. The average person has about five litres of blood and a unit of blood is only 480ml. Your body makes up the lost fluid within 24 hours, whilst the red cells are replaced within 32 days.
2) I will contract HIV/Aids. You cannot get HIV/Aids by donating blood. For every donor a new, sterile needle is used and discarded afterwards.
3) I am scared of the needle. Many people are scared of the needle, but the patients' need for blood is bigger than your fear. To donate blood should not hurt. Pinch the fold on the inside of your arm. This is what it feels like when the needle is inserted.
4) There are enough people who donate blood. This is not true. Less than one per cent of the population donates blood, which leaves SANBS in constant blood shortages.
5) Blood of black people don't get used. Since October 2005, SANBS has implemented a new risk model, which is not based on a donor's race, but on the amount of times a person donates. Blood from all people is used.
6) I have to pay for blood when I receive it. You do not pay for the blood itself, but for the cost incurred to collect, test and transport the blood. Rigorous testing and processing of blood takes place on every unit of blood and SANBS has to cover these costs in order to supply safe blood to patients.
7) I am on medication. It is true that certain type of medication prohibits a person from donating blood. At every blood donation centre a registered nurse is on duty. Please ask these professionals for advice on your condition if you want to donate.

Where does the blood go?Medical cases: 27%
Childbirth/Gynaecological cases: 26%
Surgical cases: 20%
Paediatric cases: 10%
Orthopaedic cases: 6%
Laboratory: 6%
Casualty: 4%

Facts about blood

After every donation, blood is divided into three components, thus, red cells, plasma and platelets, each with their own specific use.

1) Red cells are used to replace red cells during operations, accident victims, anaemia, certain cancer patients and rhesus babies.
2) Plasma is used to restore blood volume and to make the following blood products:
2.1) Immunoglobulin: Used for protection against diseases, e.g. cancer patients requiring protection against diseases and boosting of immune system;
2.2) Albumin: Used for restoration of blood volume and treatment of burns; and
2.3) Factor VIII and IX: Used for treating blood disorders, e.g. haemophilia.
3) Platelets are used for blood clotting, for example, patients with blood disorders or to treat internal bleeding.

Who can donate blood?

People who:
Weigh 50kg or more;
Are between 16 and 65 years;
Are in good health;
Lead a sexually safe lifestyle; and
Consider their blood safe for transfusion.

For more information on local clinics call SANBS Toll Free: 0800 11 9031.