Many countries of the world, including Anguilla will celebrate World Blood Donor Day on 14 June. Among other things it is a day of celebration to honour and thank all those people who donate their blood on a voluntary, unpaid basis to give the most precious gift of all- the Gift of Life. In Anguilla there are several individuals who continue to be voluntary blood donors and often go unappreciated by the community. These individuals play a vital role in saving the lives of many individuals in our island. All of us here in Anguilla should be proud of these individuals and I am encouraging more individuals to join this important group of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. The theme for this year’s World Blood Donor Day is “Celebrating your gift of blood”.

Why the need for blood?

Dr. Brett Hodge

There are many reasons for transfusing blood and blood products. Bleeding complications related to pregnancy and delivery that result in massive bleeding demands a number of units of safe blood in order to prevent maternal deaths. Globally, over 500,000 women die each year during pregnancy or delivery and about 25% of these deaths result from massive bleeding, for which blood transfusion is required.

Road traffic accidents resulting in serious injury also results in the need for blood transfusion. Patients with other conditions such as severe anaemia and cancers may also require blood transfusions.

Why the need for more voluntary non-remunerated blood donors?
There is no doubt that safe blood can save lives. There is a constant need for a regular supply of blood because blood can be stored for a limited period of time before use. Regular blood donation by a sufficient number of healthy people is needed to ensure that blood will be available whenever it is needed.

Experience has shown that paid blood donors present a higher risk of acquiring infections that can be transmitted compared to voluntary non-remunerated donors.

Who can give blood?
The criteria for blood donor selection may vary form one country to another, but blood can be donated by most people who are healthy and do not have any infection that can be transmitted through their blood. If you have any questions about becoming a voluntary blood donor you can contact a member of the laboratory at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Prior to giving blood you will be asked a few questions about your medical history, current health and lifestyle. A sample of your blood will be tested for infections that can be transmitted by transfusion such as HIV, and syphilis. The needle and blood bag used to collect blood come in a sterile pack that cannot be reused, so the process of giving blood is made as safe as possible. A decision to donate your blood can save the life of one or even several people. If you are a blood donor continue to be one, and if you want to be a blood donor please contact the staff at the laboratory at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Making blood safe
In Anguilla, donated blood is tested for infectious diseases that can be transmitted through transfusion. Many of the tests cannot detect infectious agents or their antibodies immediately a person is exposed to the infective agent, this period termed ‘widow period’ makes it necessary that individuals engaged in ‘high-risk behaviours should not be blood donors. In order to decrease the risk of transfusing contaminated blood we encourage potential blood donors to answer all the questions asked truthfully. Potential donors who think they are not suitable to be donors due to their lifestyles or medical conditions should not therefore be donors.

Having the necessary and appropriate equipment and a staff that is well trained are also important in ensuring that blood is transfused safely to all those who need it.

Conclusion
As we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, all of us here in Anguilla must be thankful to those members of the community who have become voluntary unpaid blood donors. These individuals must be encouraged to continue in their noble acts and others in the community are encouraged to also become voluntary donors as well. The staff at the laboratory at Princess Alexandra Hospital continues to provide an excellent service in ensuring the safety of blood transfused to individuals in Anguilla but these services can only continue and be effective, if there are more individuals who are willingly to be voluntary, non remunerated blood donors. Life is precious, be a life-saver, become a blood donor today!

Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr. Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty years in clinical practice. Dr. Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.

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