World Blood Donor Day

Blood Donation and Its Importance

“A Life-Saving Act That Impacts Millions”

World Blood Donation Day is a generous tribute to the millions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give others a second chance at life. Every 14th of June, the world celebrates these heroes whose generosity saves lives, strengthens communities, and embodies the spirit of solidarity.

We are in a critical situation regarding blood shortages worldwide, especially in Nigeria.

Did you know that Nigeria needs about 1.8 million pints of blood annually, yet only 27% comes from voluntary donors? Around 80,000 women die each year due to complications during childbirth—many of which are attributed to blood loss, with lack of access to blood transfusion being a major contributing factor.

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What is Blood?

Blood is a specialized bodily fluid that circulates through the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins. It is a fluid connective tissue that provides communication between cells in various parts of the body and the external environment. Blood delivers essential substances such as oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products.

It flows through every organ of the body, kept in continuous circulation by the heart, traveling through:

• Arteries – carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

• Veins – returning deoxygenated blood to the heart.

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Composition of Blood

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs) – Transport oxygen using hemoglobin.

• White Blood Cells (WBCs) – Defend the body against infection.

• Platelets – Aid in blood clotting.

• Plasma – The liquid component carrying cells, hormones, nutrients, and waste.

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How is Blood Synthesized?

Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow through a process called hematopoiesis:

• Stem cells differentiate into RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.

• Regulated by hormones like erythropoietin (for RBC production).

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Importance of Blood

• Transports oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

• Removes carbon dioxide and waste products.

• Fights infections through immune cells.

• Clots at injury sites to prevent bleeding.

• Regulates body temperature and pH balance.

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Blood Groups

Blood groups are inherited, stable characteristics that give rise to the antigen-antibody system. These may be detected early in fetal life and, except for the Lewis and I systems, remain unchanged until death.

Some red blood cells carry proteins (antigens) on their surface that can stimulate an immune response if transferred between incompatible individuals. The presence or absence of these inherited antigens determines a person’s blood group.

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Types of Blood Groups

1. Major Blood Group Systems:

• ABO System:

  • A

  • B

  • AB

  • O

• Rhesus System:

  • Rhesus positive

  • Rhesus negative

2. Minor Blood Group Systems:

• Kell's Blood Group

• Duffy Blood Group

• Lewis Blood Group

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Why Blood Grouping and Rhesus Factor Matter

• Ensures compatibility in transfusions.

• Crucial in pregnancy (Rh incompatibility can affect the fetus).

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What is Blood Donation?

Blood donation is the voluntary process of giving blood to help patients in need. It is used in transfusions for illnesses, surgeries, trauma, and chronic diseases such as sickle cell anemia.

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Types of Blood Donation

• Whole Blood – Most common; all components collected.

• Platelet (Apheresis) – For cancer patients, clotting disorders.

• Plasma Donation – Used in burns, shock, and clotting deficiencies.

• Double Red Cell – Collects extra red cells; useful for trauma or anemia.

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Who Can Donate?

• Age: 17 to 65 years

• Weight: At least 50 kg

• Hemoglobin: ≥12.5 g/dL (females), ≥13 g/dL (males)

• Must be healthy and free from infections

• Must not engage in high-risk behaviors

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Health Screening Before Donation

• Medical questionnaire (illnesses, medications, travel)

• Vital signs: weight, blood pressure, temperature

• Hemoglobin test (finger prick)

• Blood group determination

This ensures donor eligibility and recipient safety.

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The Blood Donation Process

1. Registration & Screening

2. Donation (8–10 minutes, 350–450 mL)

3. Rest & Refreshments (10–15 minutes)

4. Post-donation Advice (stay hydrated, avoid heavy lifting)

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Importance of Blood Donation

To Recipients:

• Saves lives in emergencies and surgeries

• Treats anemia and sickle cell disease

• Essential during childbirth and cancer treatment

• One donation can save up to 3 lives

To Donors:

• Free health screening

• Stimulates new blood cell production

• Regulates iron levels

• Boosts emotional well-being and sense of purpose

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Crossmatching Before Transfusion

• Ensures compatibility between donor and recipient

• Prevents transfusion reactions

• Done after ABO and Rh typing

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Universal Donor and Recipient

• Universal Donor: O⁻ (no A, B, or Rh antigens)

• Universal Recipient: AB⁺ (has all antigens)

Note: Crossmatching is still required for safety.

 

Recipient	Can Donate To	Can Receive From
O⁻	All groups	O⁻
O⁺	O⁺, A⁺, B⁺, AB⁺	O⁻, O⁺
A⁻	A⁻, A⁺, AB⁻, AB⁺	A⁻, O⁻
A⁺	A⁺, AB⁺	A⁺, A⁻, O⁺, O⁻
B⁻	B⁻, B⁺, AB⁻, AB⁺	B⁻, O⁻
B⁺	B⁺, AB⁺	B⁺, B⁻, O⁺, O⁻
AB⁻	AB⁻, AB⁺	AB⁻, A⁻, B⁻, O⁻
AB⁺	AB⁺	All types

 

Donation Safety

• Sterile, single-use needles

• No risk of infection

• Plasma replaced in 24 hours

• Red cells restored in 4–6 weeks

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Who Needs Blood the Most?

• Accident and trauma victims

• Sickle cell or thalassemia patients

• Pregnant women with complications

• Cancer and surgical patients

• Premature babies needing transfusion

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Common Misconceptions

• Myth: It’s painful
  Fact: Only a brief prick

• Myth: Causes weakness
  Fact: Body replenishes fast

• Myth: Risk of infection
  Fact: Sterile tools are used

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How Often Can You Donate?

(Based on Nigeria – National Health Policy Guidelines)

• Whole Blood: Every 12–16 weeks

• Platelets: Every 2–4 weeks

• Plasma: Every 2–4 weeks

Tips: Stay hydrated and well-rested

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Call to Action

• Be a life-saver. Donate blood.

• Encourage friends and family.

• Join or organize community blood drives.

• One unit = up to 3 lives saved

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