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Every year, more than 5 million Americans require blood transfusions for conditions ranging from cancer, trauma, blood clotting disorders, transplants and surgeries. Kansas City and surrounding areas alone require 580 blood donors every weekday to supply the blood demand. Typical amounts of blood required for transfusions include: 50 units (pints) for an automobile accident, 6 units for heart surgery, 40 units for an organ transplant and 20 units for a bone marrow transplant. Patients requiring these transfusions would not survive without the generosity of blood donors. All people age 17 years and older who weigh at least 110 pounds and who meet certain eligibility standards can give blood and the gift of life to others.
The blood donation process involves contacting the American Red Cross or Community Blood Center through email or phone to make an appointment or to locate local blood drives. The American Red Cross supplies blood to various hospitals across the United States and the Community Blood Center is a local blood donation center which supplies blood specifically to Kansas City and surrounding areas. The donor enters the donation center, supplies a form of identification and has their temperature, blood pressure, pulse, iron level and hemoglobin (oxygen carrying component of the blood) tested to ensure that he or she is healthy enough for their safety as well as to protect the blood recipient from any complications. The donor is asked a series of questions to determine if any contraindications to blood donation exist.
Some people do not donate because they believe they have a condition or take certain medications that prevent their blood from being usable. Most
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chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, allergies, high blood pressure, heart murmurs and cardiovascular events (valve replacements, heart attacks, and bypass surgeries) do not exclude donating blood as long as the condition is controlled. Blood pressure should be lower than 160/100 and patients who have had a previous heart attack or bypass surgery should wait at least 6 months after surgery or after any recurrent symptoms of chest pain. Medications administered for these conditions other than blood thinners such as CoumadinTM, heparin or LovenoxTM, allow for blood donation. PlavixTM and aspirin do not cause a problem with whole blood donation but should be held for a period of time during plasma donation. Patients taking birth control, hormone replacement medications, who have recently received certain vaccines or are taking antibiotics to treat acne are eligible to donate blood. People who have received acupuncture or ear piercings may donate as long as the piercing needles were sterile.
Certain situations or medications may require the patient to wait a period of time before donating blood. A person must wait at least 12 months to donate blood after receiving a blood transfusion in the United States, receiving a tattoo, traveling in an area where malaria is prevalent or being treated for syphilis or gonorrhea. Medications that require waiting periods before giving blood include: isoretinoin (AccutaneTM ), finasteride (ProscarTM and PropeciaTM), dutasteride (AvodartTM), acitretin (SoriataneTM), and hepatitis B immune globulin. If a patient has a fever, active infection, or are simply not feeling well on the donation day, they are encouraged to return after an antibiotic course or when they are feeling better. People who
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have ever had hepatitis, have HIV or AIDS, are on medications to prevent organ transplant rejection, have active tuberculosis or have a bleeding disorder are not eligible to donate blood.
After determining a donor is eligible to give blood, the area of the arm above the elbow is cleansed and a sterile needle is used to prick the skin. A small sting will be felt from the needle and the total donation time is about 10 minutes for 1 pint of blood. Drinking water before the donation will allow the blood to flow easier and quicken the donation time while eating food during the day before the donation will help prevent fainting. The donor may rest afterwards if they feel faint and are provided juice and cookies to help replenish their strength. Exercise and heavy lifting are not recommended within 24 hours after donation to prevent fainting or bleeding. The blood undergoes a series of tests for HIV, hepatitis and blood typing to ensure a safe blood supply. The donor can donate again safely in 8 weeks as the blood lost will be replenished by the body. The person can leave the center knowing that they have helped save someone's life.
For more information on donating blood or volunteering at a donation center, contact your healthcare provider. You may also visit the American Red Cross website at www.RedCross.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to make a donation appointment or visit the Community Blood Center website at www.bloodislife.org.
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