One of the most important elements of our system is blood since it ensures the inner workings of our body by transporting the respiratory gases, alimentation, decomposed products, and playing an important part in our immune system. The blood is present in every part of our body since the vascular system enmeshes us completely - blood is man's fuel. Donating blood is not only healthy, but, it can save 3 lives. Nóra Nagy-László, MD, occupational therapist explains the most important facts about blood and blood donation.
„The blood, necessary for healing, cannot be replaced with anything else, thus, blood truly is a matter of life or death to some. Many liters may be required during just one surgical procedure and, unfortunately, there are times when the surgeons must face the fact that current medical knowledge is not advanced enough to deal with the lack of the necessary amount and type of blood,” said Dr. Nagy-László.
What is blood made of and why is it important?
Blood is composed of 4 main elements: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets (thrombocytes) and plasma. These make up the fluid part of the blood. The main function of the red blood cells is to supply the cells and the tissues with oxygen and to transport the carbon dioxide built up in the cells to the lungs. The white blood cells together fight infections while the number and function of the platelets is indispensable in the coagulation of blood. The blood type is identified in two ways: by the letters A, B and O and by RH groupings. The identification is extremely important in blood transfusions since the Patient must receive the blood type identical to his or her own. An adult person’s body contains around 5 liters of blood of which only 4.5 deciliters is drawn during a blood donation, not posing any burden to a healthy body.
Blood Donation
The donation of blood not only saves lives, but, the process is also a health screening examination, as well. A blood donor must be a person who is in good health, is over 18 years but, under 65 years and weighs not more than 50 Kilograms. There is a set amount of times that an individual may give blood in a given year - women: three times per year, men: five times per year with 56 days between each blood donation. A medical examination precedes each donation, wherein among other things, blood pressure and the hemoglobin level (to screen out possible anemia) is checked, blood type determined and, if the doctor finds you suitable, the blood donation may follow. It is very important that you drink an adequate amount of liquid before donating blood since it will help plasma replacement and, with enough liquid in your body, the veins will be fuller and more visible making the drawing of blood faster and easier.
Following Blood Donation
Each and every donated blood is examined by the Hungarian National Blood Transfusion Service irrespective of the number of times an individual has donated blood. Tests are run on samples of the blood for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and the Blood Type determined. The blood samples that pass the tests and are deemed good provide the much needed red blood cell concentrates, plasma products and platelet concentrates.
