Blood donation - A worthwhile investment

All across the globe, many life-threatening health conditions are associated with a reduction in the blood levels of patients. For such patients, the unavailability of blood leads to incapacitating deformities and the most feared death.

According to the WHO, 800 women die every day from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications as a result of blood loss. Every passing second, lives are lost in various wards and theatres because blood is not readily available. Families are destroyed, more orphans are produced and people are left with debilitating mental issues because of the loss of loved ones, of whom an appreciable number die from blood loss without replacement.

Benefits of Blood Donation

The American Red Cross has it that, one donation can save as many as three lives. Blood donation comes along with numerous benefits, enjoyed by both the donor and the recipient. The many advantages of blood donation to the donor have been outlined subsequently.

Donating blood is a way of reaching out to help others, and this brings along a sense of satisfaction, knowing that lives are being saved by this short exercise. It also builds on the donor’s emotional well-being and it helps to get rid of negative feelings.

Health benefits to the Donor

A lot of research has been done into the health benefits of a donation exercise to the donor. According to a 2013 study by Uche, Adediran and Akammu, it was found that regular blood donation significantly reduces the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad fat) of the blood donor, hence reducing the viscosity of the blood and protecting against heart disease in the end (Uche et al., 2013).

Iron is an essential element needed in the production of red blood cells. However, high iron levels in the body leads to iron deposition in some vital organs like the heart and the liver, compromising their functions. Edgren, Reilly and Nyren in 2008 conducted a study which showed that there was a reduced risk of certain cancers in blood donors.

These cancers are linked to high blood iron levels and blood donation helps to reduce the blood iron to optimum levels. These cancers include cancers of the liver, lungs, oesophagus, stomach and colon. Blood donation is also linked to a reduction in inflammatory markers and an increase in the capacity of antioxidants according to a 2016 study which recruited 96 healthy volunteers.

Before the donation exercise begins, the donor is examined shortly and some blood tests are conducted. This can go a long way in helping identify unknown ailments in the donor, for the donor to seek prompt medical attention. These ailments include anaemia (low blood haemoglobin levels) and hypertension. Also, one donation can burn up to 650 calories according to the St. Mary’s medical center. Though this should not be used as an alternative to exercise, it is seen as a benefit to most donors.

Procedure

Blood donation can be done four-monthly (thrice yearly). Before the donation exercise begins, a short counselling session is done. This can help donors to either proceed with the donation or opt-out because of some underlying conditions. After all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been observed, the donor is made comfortable in a chair or a bed and the blood withdrawal begins. 400ml of blood (the size of a small drip bag) is taken and it is sent to the laboratory for the necessary screening and processing. After the donation, the donor is advised not to engage in hectic activity or any activity that requires much mentation for the next couple of hours.

Conclusion

Blood donation is indeed a worthwhile investment. A single donation can go a long way to preserve lives, stabilize families and increase the productivity level in the country in the long run. I encourage everyone volunteer for this worthy cause any time such opportunity presents its self.

References

• Colley, A. (2017, January 16). Health Benefits of Donating Blood. Retrieved from http://www.stmaryskc.com/News/2017/January/Health-benefits-of-donating-blood.aspx

• Zaney, G.D. Save A Life. Donate Blood Voluntarily and Regularly For No Remuneration. Retrieved from http://www.ghana.gov.gh/index.php/media-center/features/1485-save-a-life-donate-blood-voluntarily-and-regularly-for-no-remuneration

• Uche, Adediram & Akanmu.(2013). Lipid Profile of Regular Blood Donors. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3663474/

• Stephens, Carisa. (2018, June 11). The Benefits of Donating Blood. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-donating-blood#2

AUTHORED BY:

TRICIA BEMAH ADOMAKO

UNIVERSITY OF GHANA MEDICAL SCHOOL

Contact: 0543228188/tadomako1995@gmail.com