Why does blood donation remain necessary?

Blood donation remains necessary for several important reasons. Blood donations are essential to healthcare and play a crucial role in saving lives and improving the health of patients.

In situations such as accidents, natural disasters, and surgical procedures, blood loss can be life-threatening. Readily available blood donations can save lives by quickly replacing blood loss. But many cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, also need regular blood transfusions to maintain blood levels.

Patients with severe anemia, caused by conditions such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease, often require regular blood transfusions. But transfusions are also necessary for certain liver diseases.

For surgical procedures such as heart surgery or orthopedic procedures, a supply of blood may be required to cover any bleeding during the operation. Patients undergoing organ transplants often require blood transfusions both during and after surgery. Complications during childbirth, such as postpartum hemorrhage, may require blood transfusions to save the mother's life.

Blood and blood components have a limited shelf life. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, platelets for only 5 to 7 days, and plasma can be frozen for up to a year. This means that a constant supply of freshly donated blood is needed to maintain supplies.

Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blood-safety-and-availability

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2023-12-11 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024