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Blood Donation, whole blood, Platelets, Red Cells, Plasma
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Apr 26, 2019 | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
Why should we donate blood? Because blood saves lives. It is correct that only about 5% of the population donates blood.There are a lot of myths about blood donation, too numerous to list. If you're not sure you are eligible to donate, or have been told by someone you shouldn't donate because (fill in the blank), don't assume that you can't. Call the blood donation center in your area, Red Cross or Independent Blood Center, and ask. They will give you the correct answers that follow FDA regulations. I am 70 years old and have been donating blood for 50 years, averaging about four donations a year. I donate whole blood, which is split into components (red cells, plasma, and platelets) to be used for three different individuals. I take a daily multivitamin with 18 mg of iron to keep up my iron stores. One in three of us will need a blood transfusion in our lifetime. Thankfully, I have never been on the receiving end, but am glad I am still eligible to be on the giving end.
Replies to "Why should we donate blood? Because blood saves lives. It is correct that only about 5%..."
@tim1028
@gingerw
Hi kids,
Tim, Ginger & your Dad, thank you for your generosity for so long. Imagine how many lives you helped save.
I would be celebrating my 45th year of donating had I not been so ignorant but I was wrongly diagnosed with Hepatitis B. No one ever told me about the Antibody & Antigen testing. I got tested and I never did have it.
When I stated 5% I used that as an average. The American Red Cross states 3%. Although I have read donation statistics ranging from 3 to 10%.
The following information is provided by the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components.
Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.
13.6 million whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.
Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.
Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 1.7 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).
Platelets must be used within just 5 days.
A type of white blood cell (Granulocytes) must be used within 24 hours.
I have volunteered numerous places and as rewarding as it was, to me, nothing has compared to donating blood. I hope, if you can, you too will help with this never ending need.
Blessings to you all,
Jake
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@tim1028 Thank you for making a difference. I used to be able to donate. But due to medical issues it is impossible now. My father donated every 2.5 months for over 40 years.
Ginger