Efforts of SSGM.

In order to mobilize the donors and create awareness among the residents, Shantivan Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal rightly decided to organize Blood Donation camp for the first time during Ganeshotsav in the year 2005. The response from Shantivanites and outsiders was tremendous and we could collect 51 units of blood with a very short notice. Consequently, it was decided to make this venture an annual event. Since then there has been no looking back. Hinduja hospital's Blood Bank has been collecting blood every year and providing Blood Donor Cards. The donors can use these cards later on for exchanging blood during their own requirement.

What is blood?

One can almost say that blood is that magic potion which gives life to another person. Though we have made tremendous discoveries and inventions in Science we are not yet able to make the magic potion called Blood. Human blood has no substitute. Every 2 seconds someone in the country is in need of blood. Our nation requires about 4 Crore units of blood every year, out of which only a meager 5 Lakh units of blood are available.Requirement of safe blood is increasing and regular voluntary blood donations are vital for blood transfusion services.

Who can donate blood?

Eligibility criteria for blood donation - Donor should be between 18-55 years of age with a weight of 50 kg or above with pulse rate, body temperature and blood pressure should be normal. Both men and women can donate. There are only few conditions in which donors are permanently excluded. The donor with history of epilepsy, psychotic disorders, abnormal bleeding tendencies, severe asthma, cardiovascular disorders, malignancy are permanently unfit for blood donation. Donors suffering from disease like hepatitis, malaria, measles, mumps, and syphilis may donate blood after full recovery with 3-6 months gap. Also people who have undergone surgery, blood transfusion may safely donate blood after 6-12 mths for woman donors who are pregnant or lactating blood is not taken as their iron reserves are already on the lower side.

How much blood can be taken?

Our body has 5.5 ltr of blood of which only 300 ml - 400 ml of blood is taken depending upon weight of donor. Majority of healthy adults can tolerate withdrawal of one unit of blood. The withdrawn blood volume is restored within 24 hours and the Haemoglobin and cell components are restored in 2 months. Therefore it is safe to donate blood every three months.

What is done with the blood collected?

The blood collected in sterile, pyrogen free containers with anticoagulants like CPDA or CPDA with SAGM. This prevents clotting and provides nutrition for the cells. This blood is stored at 2-6 C or -20 C depending on the component prepared. Donated blood undergoes various tests like blood grouping antibody detection, testing of infections like hepatitis, AIDS, Malaria, syphilis and before it reaches the recipient it undergoes compatibility testing with the recipient blood.