Blood Donation: The Journey of Donating Blood to Saving Lives, Know the Post-Donation Process

Blood Donation: Each drop has a specific and important path. Blood is collected at donation centres or hospitals using sterile bags containing anticoagulants to prevent clotting. Each blood bag is labelled with a unique barcode immediately after donation, allowing for total traceability from donor to beneficiary. To assure its safety for transfusion, the blood is rigorously tested for viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and others..

How is Donated Blood Used?

Once cleared, the donated blood is centrifuged into three components: red blood cells (RBCs), plasma, and platelets. Each has a different role.  RBCs carry oxygen, plasma aids in clotting, and platelets are essential for individuals with cancer or dengue. These components are stored at specific temperatures: RBCs at 2-6°C for 42 days, plasma at -18°C or below for up to a year, and platelets at room temperature for only five days, making platelet donations particularly crucial. Blood is then transported in temperature-controlled conditions to ICUs, emergency wards, and hospitals that treat critical conditions such as accidents, pregnancy difficulties, cancer, and thalassaemia. A single donation can save up to three lives, making it a remarkable act of generosity.