Highland blood donations - where do they go?
As part of our campaign to boost blood donation across the Highlands and Moray we have heard from both donors and those who have benefited from donation the simple message - just do it.
Giving blood is a simple and straighforward process that doesn’t take much time out of day to day life and each donation has the power to help up to three people, some of them in dire need.
But have you ever wondered about what the exact process is after you have made your donation - what actually happens to the blood you give?
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Well, as a first step the blood you donate is taken directly to the nearest processing and testing laboratory where it is separated into three components - red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
All donations are then tested for viruses such as HIV and hepatitis, which can be passed from donor to patient.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) says that it is rare for a donation to test positive, but if it does, they will contact the donor as soon as possible and offer confidential advice.
Assuming that everything is in order, though, the service simply labels your donation and sends it out for use across Scotland.
Blood must be available 24/7 throughout Scotland, including in the most remote areas - like much of our region.
On that basis your donated blood will be sent to one of 28 blood banks across the country, where it will be refrigerated until use.
Blood has a shelf life of 35 days and fresh frozen plasma can be kept for up to three years, but platelets can only be used for up to seven days after donation, and careful management of hospital stocks and rapid, frequent delivery systems are essential for maximising the use of blood.
We have said before that SNBTS aims to maintain an average of six days supply across all blood types at anyone time. At the moment that average stands at just over eight days - so it’s good, but regularly fluctuates and could be better.
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Every medical student and junior doctor in Scotland receives training in safe transfusion practice, as do hospital nurses, midwives, porters and laboratory staff.
SNBTS supports research into the use of blood and works hard to make sure every donor’s gift is used wisely and effectively.
Blood is a precious, perishable resource and while new ways of using it means it helps more patients than ever before, there will always be a need to replenish supplies.
When you give blood, you’re doing something amazing - and we hope you'll start donating or keep doing it if you are already a regular.
Highland News and Media wants to bring 5000 people from the Highlands and Moray in to give blood between now and Easter. Join our campaign to give blood and save lives.
Book an appointment to give blood at www.scotblood.co.uk, or call 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
