Why it’s more important than ever to give blood
MORE than 5,000 blood donations are needed by the NHS every day to meet the needs of patients, and every donation can save up to three lives. But now people who’ve recovered from coronavirus are needed to donate plasma too, as it’s thought antibodies in their blood can help save the lives of people who currently have Covid-19.
“We are really grateful to our loyal donors, who throughout the pandemic have kept donating as normal and kept blood stocks good,” says an NHS spokesperson. “However, there’s always a need for us to recruit new donors to replace those who can longer donate.”
New donors always needed
SO much is needed because blood can only be stored for 35 days, meaning regular donations are required throughout the year.
Male and black donors needed
AT the moment, the blood service says male donors and black donors are particularly needed. Men can donate more often than women, and black donors, who currently only make up 1.5% of donors in England, are needed to boost donations of Ro blood.
O negative donors are also needed, as this is the blood type used most in hospitals, as it can be given to all patients.
Plasma to treat coronavirus
AMID concerns about a possible second wave of Covid-19, the NHS urgently needs people who’ve had coronavirus to donate ‘convalescent plasma’ for trials.
The antibody-rich plasma of people who’ve recovered from the virus can be transfused into Covid-19 patients struggling to develop their own immune response, which could help save lives.
Check you’re eligible
DONORS need to be fit and healthy, weigh between seven stone 12 lbs and 25 stone (50kg-158kg), be aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if you’ve given blood before, or over 70 if you’ve given a full blood donation in the last two years).
Coronavirus safety precautions
THE blood service stresses safety is always a number one priority, and
since the outbreak of coronavirus, extra safety measures have been added to donor sessions, including triaging on arrival, asking donors to wear face coverings, and spacing donors out as much as possible. If you register as a donor and are asked to donate, you’ll have to complete a donor healthcheck form, and at the donor centre a small blood sample will be taken from your finger to test your haemoglobin levels.
Giving blood takes between about five to 10 minutes and doesn’t usually hurt. After donation, there’s the best bit – free drinks and snacks are provided!
To give blood you can register online at blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.