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Vol. 37 | No. 18 January 23, 2025 1411 West Dakota Parkway Suite 2a | Williston, North Dakota 701-572-4851 | info@vocella.com
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What to Expect When Donating Blood Metro Creative Connections
D
onating blood is a selfless act that benefits countless individuals each day. The need for a steady blood supply is ongoing. In July 2024, the American Red Cross faced an emergency blood shortage after its national blood inventory fell by more than 25 percent. The Red Cross recently reported its lowest donor turnout in 20 years. There may be different reasons why people do not give blood, and confusion in the process could be one of them. The process of donating blood is simple, safe and quick. Although each organization may run a blood drive differently, here is what a blood donor can expect of the donation process. Register for the blood drive at an organization close to you. Many groups require you to make an appointment, but some may accept walk-ins. Get plenty of rest and stay
hydrated the day before the donation appointment. Also, set aside your identification. The type of identification needed may vary by donation center. The day of the donation, be sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves that can be rolled up. Arrive for the appointment and complete a mini-physical and health history. Your temperature and blood pressure may be taken, and other vital signs may be checked. The attendant will ask questions
about behaviors or illnesses that may exclude you from being able to donate blood. You may undergo a finger prick to test whether you are anemic, or when your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. During the donation of whole blood, 500 milliliters, or roughly 17 ounces, will be collected. A phlebotomist will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a new, sterile needle for the blood draw. The quick pinch is over in seconds. For a donation of platelets, a special
machine called an apheresis machine will be connected to both arms. A whole blood donation takes about eight to 10 minutes to complete, during which you can be seated comfortably or lie down. For platelets, the machine will collect a small amount of blood, remove the platelets, and return the rest of the blood through the other arm. This cycle repeats several times for a period of about two hours. Bandages will be placed on your arm at the conclusion of the donation where any nee-
dles were removed. Following the blood draw, you'll be allowed to rest and recover. There likely will be small snacks and beverages in a refreshment area. After around 10 to 15 minutes, you'll be allowed to leave and continue your normal routine. It's best to avoid vigorous activities for at least four hours after the donation. Make an effort to remain hydrated for two days following the donation. While most donors feel fine afterwards, it is not uncommon to experience mild dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, or bruising and pain at the draw site. These symptoms should resolve fairly quickly. The next Williston Community blood drive will be held at the National Guard Armory located at 10 Main Street on Feb. 3 and 4 from 12 to 6 p.m. each day. Please visit www.vitalant.org or call Heather Leier at 701-720-5909 to schedule an appointment. Your one donation could save up to 3 lives.
What happens to blood after it's donated? Metro Creative Connections
Each year blood donors help to save millions of lives. Individuals who routinely donate blood may not give it a second thought, but this selfless gesture ensures accident victims and others get a helping hand when they need it most. Recipients of blood donations are there for the culmination of a process that begins with generous donors, who may be curious about exactly what happens to their blood after it's collected. According to the American Red Cross, donated blood is kept on ice before being taken to a processing center, where information about the donation is scanned into a computer database. Upon arriving at processing cen-
ters, donated blood is spun in centrifuges to separate it into transfusable components, including red cells, platelets and plasma. Each component is then packaged as a "unit," or a standardized amount doctors use when transfusing a patient. Blood donations also are tested at a separate laboratory to establish type and check for infectious diseases. The results of these tests are transferred electronically to the processing center within 24 hours, which underscores the efficiency of the donation process. Any blood that tests positive for disease is discarded and donors are notified. If the blood is deemed suitable for transfusion, it is labeled and stored. Red cells are stored in refrigerators at 6° C for up to six weeks (42 days), while
platelets are stored at room temperature in agitators for up to five days. Plasma can be stored in freezers for up to one year. Blood is available to be shipped to hospitals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and hospitals typically keep some blood units on-site.