Blood donation
Blood donation
Blood donation (/blʌd doʊˈneɪʃən/) is a process where a person voluntarily has blood drawn and used for transfusions or made into medications by a process called fractionation.
Etymology
The term "blood donation" comes from the English words "blood" (from Old English blōd, from Proto-Germanic *blōþą) and "donation" (from Latin donatio, from donare "to give").
Process
In the typical blood donation process, the donor is first asked to fill out a questionnaire and give a brief medical history. The donor's hemoglobin level is then checked, and if it is found to be sufficient, the donation proceeds. The actual blood donation takes about 10 minutes, during which approximately one pint of blood is collected. The donor's body replenishes the lost fluid within 24 hours.
Types of donation
There are several types of blood donation:
- Whole blood donation: This is the most common type of blood donation, during which approximately a pint of 'whole blood' is given. The blood is then separated into transfusable components — red cells, plasma, platelets.
- Apheresis: During an apheresis donation, the donor gives only certain blood components, such as platelets or plasma. The remaining blood is returned to the donor.
- Double red cell donation: In this type of donation, a machine is used to allow the donor to donate two units of red cells during one donation while returning most of the plasma and platelets to the donor.
Importance
Blood donation is crucial because it helps save lives. Donated blood is used in various medical treatments and procedures, including surgeries, cancer treatment, and treatment for blood disorders.
Related terms
- Blood bank: A place where blood is collected from donors, typed, separated into components, stored, and prepared for transfusion to recipients.
- Blood transfusion: The process of receiving blood products into one's circulation intravenously.
- Hemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Apheresis: The process of donating a specific component of the blood.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Blood donation
- Wikipedia's article - Blood donation
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