What are the most common blood types?
All blood groups or types are inherited. The ABO system is the most important. It is divided into four groups: A, B, AB, and O. Your ABO blood group is determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens on the surface of your red cells. About 45 percent of the U.S. population has type-O blood followed by type-A at 41 percent. About 10 percent have type-B, while 4 percent have type-AB. There are more than 40 different kinds of Rh antigens The most significant one is called Rh-D and when it is present, red cells are called Rh positive. The Rh-D factor is found on the surface of red blood cells of 85 percent of our population, making their blood Rh positive. The remaining 15 percent of the population lacks the Rh-D factor, and their blood is called Rh negative. In the region served by North Central Blood Services, 82.5 percent of donors are Rh positive and 17.5 are Rh negative.
What is donated blood tested for before being trasfused?
Blood collected by North Central Blood Services is sent to the American Red Cross National Testing Laboratory in Eagan, MN. At the NTL, each unit of blood is typed and tested. This extensive testing includes: two tests for the AIDS virus (antibody and antigen); two types of hepatitis (C and B) tests; alanine aminotransferase, a liver enzyme; syphilis; two types of human lymphocytic virus tests, a rare form of sclerosis-like disease, and a hepatitisB core antigen test. Additionally, each unit of blood is classified by blood group and Rh factor. No blood is ever released for transfusion without passing every test at the NTL. Although it is unusual to find much blood carrying diseases, those units of blood that are found to be contaminated are destroyed and he donor notified.
Why does it seem like there is always a blood shortage?
Though nearly 95 percent of us will require a blood transfusion at some point in our lifetime, only about 6 percent of eligible donors give blood on a regular basis. Given these facts, blood supply can barely keep up with demand. Additionally, blood donations nationally are decreasing at a rate of about 1 percent each year, while need is increasing at a rate of 1 percent annually.
Why is type-O blood so important?
About 41 percent of donors in the North Central Region have type-O blood, while 45 percent of the blood collected needs to be type-O to adequately meet hospital needs. People with O-negative blood are also called "universal" donors. This means people with type-O, type-A, type-AB can all receive type-O negative blood. In an emergency, when there is no time for routine typing and crossmatching, or if supplies are low of other types of blood, type O-negative may be transfused-- and a life might be saved.
What should you do before donating?
We want your donation experience to be pleasant. Please rebember:
. Eat a well-balanced meal and increase fluid intake before you donate.
. If possible, avoid aspirin 48 hours prior to donating. Taking aspirin will not keep you from donating, but the phlebotomist should be told prior to your donation.
. Note name and dosage of any medication you are taking. Medications will not keep you from donating, but the reason for taking them might.
How does the blood donation process work?
Donating is safe, simple and takes about 45-60 minutes. Supplies are sterile, used only once, and then incinerated. The actual donation process works like this:
1. You will complete a donor registration form that includes your name, address, phone number, social security number, etc.
2. You will be asked a few questions about your health.
3. You will receive a mini-physical including blood pressure, temperature and pulse. In addition, a drop of blood will be obtained from your earlobe to test for anemia.
4. You will proceed to a donor bed where your arm will be cleaned with an antiseptic.
5. During the donation process, you will donate about one pint of blood; this takes about 6-10 minutes.
6. Following your donation, you will receive refreshments in the hospitality room.
What should you do after donating?
. Eat well for the next 24 hours.
. Increase your fluid intake for the next 24-48 hours.
. Do not smoke or chew tobbaco for 30 minutes.
. Avoid strenuous physical exertion, heavy lifting or pulling with the donation arm for about two hours.
People seldom experience discomfort after donating. However if you feel light-headed, lie down until the feeling passes. If some bleeding occurs after removal of the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm for three to five minutes. If bruising or bleeding appears under the skin, apply a cold pack periodically to the area of bruising during the first 24 hours then warm packs periodically.
Who does my donation help?
Your blood donation can help as many as three patients through a method of separating whole blood into its individual parts. A single donation may be used as many as three different people. Blood can be separated into the following parts:
. Red Blood Cells
carry oxygen to all parts of the body and are administered to replenish blood loss. Red cells are usually used by traume or surgery patients.
. Plasma
the liquid part of the blood, is usually kept as frozen plasma and can be stored for up to one year. Plasma may be administered to patients with clotting problems.
. Platelets
cause clotting when cuts or other open wounds occur. Donated platelets expire after five days. Leukemia and transplant patient often needs platelet transfusions.
Red Cells last 42 days and you can only donate every 56 days, therefore, the need for regular donors is vital.
How much blood is donated each year and how much is used?
Each unit of blood consists of a volume of 450 milliliters or about one pint. Because of the constant demand for blood, about 14 million units of blood are donated every year in the United States by about 8 million volunteer donors. This supply of blood is used by 4 million patients. Blood is given to accident victims, people undergoing surgery and patients with leukemia, cancer and other diseases.
Where do individuals donate blood?
There are several places where blood donations are given. Blood mobiles travel to places of employment, high schools, colleges, churches and community organizations. People can also donate blood at community blood centers and hospital-based donor centers.
How often can blood be donated?
People in good health who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate a unit of blood as often as every 8 weeks. Some states may further limit the number and/or frequency of donations in a 12-month period.
What is autologous blood transfusion?
Autologous (au-tol´-o-gous) blood transfusion is a procedure where you are transfused with blood that you have donated for yourself because of a specific need, such as upcoming elective surgery.
How does it work?
The autologous transfusion procedure consists of your blood being collected before surgery, stored and returned to you during or following surgery to replace the blood you have lost.
