One bag of donated blood can save more than three lives
On the occasion of the World Blood Donor Day, Dr. Asad Hayat, Consultant Pathologist at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, said that unfortunately, there are many misconceptions amongst our public on the subject of blood donation. All healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 can donate blood. He said that on average, human body has blood equivalent to ten to twelve bags of blood and one bag of donated blood contains around 500 millilitres of blood. A healthy donor can give blood again after three to four months. The process of blood donation is an easy, painless and safe procedure if conducted in the supervision of highly trained professionals such as those at the Shaukat Khanum Hospitals.
He further added that due to the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare facilities have witnessed a significant drop in blood donations. People are afraid to visit hospitals to give blood due to a fear of contracting Covid-19 infection. At Shaukat Khanum Hospitals located in Lahore and Peshawar, strict patient safety protocols are in place to ensure the process of blood donation is safe during the ongoing pandemic. The blood donors undergo screening for Covid-19, everyone wears appropriate personal protective equipment, and frequently touched surfaces such as blood donation couches are disinfected regularly.
At Shaukat Khanum Hospitals, around 65 bags of blood and blood components are required each day. The donors are acknowledged with a blood donation certificate and they receive results for blood screening tests which are worth many thousands of rupees. These tests include blood group, CBC, screening for hepatitis B & C, and others. The results are delivered to the donors within one week of blood donation.
In a message for the public, Dr. Asad Hayat said, “Your blood donation at Shaukat Khanum Hospital can save many lives and is an act of self-less charity. On this World Blood Donor Day, you should commit to donate blood regularly and encourage your friends and family to give blood as well.”