Key points:
- Altruistic donation is an act of empathy since it means giving life to another human being who needs it.
- Before donating blood, you must complete a medical history and undergo a blood test that will determine if you are a candidate.
- Every day the number of people who donate blood altruistically in Mexico increases, however, we have a long way to go to reach the global goal.
What is an altruistic blood donor?
We call altruistic donors all the people who donate their blood without expecting anything in return.
In Mexico, only 3% of the population has donated blood altruistically, donations are usually made directly for a family member.
Every June 14, a campaign is carried out by the WHO to call on everyone to donate blood and raise awareness of the importance of this action, as well as to thank the people who make their donation.
The importance of altruistic donors
Certain investigations show that unpaid donor blood is safer than replacement donations (by relatives and close friends).
The reason: the donors who come for a family member possibly lie in the initial questioning for personal reasons or because they expect payment or are simply desperate to help their family member.
In addition to this, data from the World Health Organization tells us that the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases is higher in paid or replacement donors, therefore, it is expected that all countries reach 100% of voluntary donations to reduce risks and infections, preserving the health of those who require it.
Types of donation
There are several types of donations:
Blood donation: it is the most common, the blood is divided for each patient’s specific use.
Platelet donation: only platelets are removed, which are the cells that help coagulate and bind blood in blood vessels. This type of donation mainly benefits people with leukemia, undergoing chemotherapy, or babies with serious infections.
Red blood cell donation: red blood cells are responsible for oxygenating the entire body, this type of donation allows you to donate twice as much as in a traditional donation. It is used to benefit people who have had significant blood loss.
Plasma donation: the liquid part of the blood is obtained, which contains electrolytes and proteins that help the body function optimally. It benefits patients with liver problems or bacterial infections in the blood.
Apheresis: it is more and more frequent since it allows extracting only the desired content. Blood is drawn from one arm, the contents are pumped and separated by a machine, and what is not required is returned through the other arm. It may take a little longer, but 100% beneficial for those who request or need it.
Is it dangerous to donate blood?
Not at all, the blood is drawn using high-tech machines and all items used are individual and sterile.
Each person can donate up to half a liter of blood without affecting their health. Your body will replenish the donated blood in about 24 hours, and in several weeks your red blood cells will be fully restored.
Blood is the most valuable thing a person can give, never forget that donating blood is donating life!
If you want to be a voluntary donor, review our process and requirements for donating blood. We are waiting for you! https://centromedicoabc.com/banco-de-sangre/
Fuentes:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/tests-procedures/blood-donation/about/pac-20385144
https://www.imss.gob.mx/salud-en-linea/donacion-sangre
https://www3.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1498:2009-blood-from-heart-safest-blood&Itemid=1926&lang=es
