Blood shortages in the COVID-19 crisis are happening because everyone is focused on vaccines, the hard work of frontline medical personnel fighting it, or the daily survival of the pandemic, so much so that we may forget to think about one thing that is essential for all patients: not vaccines, masks, or PPE suits, but blood.
The issue of blood in this situation is just as concerning as the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Phasawat Suphadamrongkiat, a medical technologist at the blood bank at Thammasat University Hospital, has come to share his knowledge and tell us about the current worrisome situation regarding blood because we are facing a “ blood deficiency ”.
“Blood is like air, which we cannot do without.”
Blood is very important to every human being. It is like air, when we lack it we will eventually die. Blood is the same. Blood helps to transport air to various parts of the body so that the body can function normally. But when any part of the body does not have blood to carry air, the organ will immediately enter danger mode, especially our brain.
“One patient needs 100-150 units of blood per day.”
Some people wonder why there is always public relations inviting people to donate blood, when each round there are already many people donating blood. But why is it still not enough? The truth is that each patient needs 100-150 units of blood per day. If we average it out, if we want to have enough blood, we need about 100 people to donate blood per day to meet the daily requirement.
“In the past, we could ask the Red Cross for help, but now the Red Cross is also in short supply.”
Normally, each hospital will receive blood donations from that hospital. However, when there is a blood shortage, there is not enough blood, or if blood is needed urgently, you can contact the Red Cross Society. But now it is in a critical state because the Red Cross Society is also in a blood shortage.
“People don’t come to donate blood because they’re afraid of COVID-19.”
Many people still choose to rely on food delivery to order rice, water or buy food. Therefore, risking leaving the house to go to the hospital, which is a source of COVID-19 testing and treatment, would seem too risky. Most people therefore do not dare to come out to donate blood. The hospital and the Thai Red Cross Society are therefore in a state of blood shortage.
“Not only are people not donating, but hospitals are also unable to go out and collect blood.”
Normally, the Red Cross or hospitals will go to schools, universities, or other agencies to ask for blood donations, which increases the amount of blood available to hospitals and the Red Cross. However, due to COVID-19, things that used to be done cannot be done as they used to. Hospitals and the Red Cross can only do public relations and wait for people to donate.
Donating blood during COVID-19 is safer than you think
Many people think that donating blood will definitely be at risk of contracting COVID-19 because hospitals are a source of infection. But no, Thammasat University Hospital has divided the blood donation zones, which are far from those who are receiving treatment, examination, or vaccination for COVID-19.
Importantly, there is also a temperature check, a distance between seats while waiting. Any equipment that is used together for blood donation will be irradiated to sterilize every piece. Seats, tables, and chairs are cleaned and disinfected all the time. Therefore, you can be sure that if you come to donate blood here, you will definitely not get any diseases.
“Blood donation benefits both the donor and the recipient.”
Many people may not know or may misunderstand about this. Donating blood is not a one-sided act. In fact, when we donate blood, our body will create new red blood cells to replace them. The strength of the red blood cells will increase. In addition, the iron in the body will be balanced. Therefore, donating blood benefits both parties.
“The truth is that the blood donation rate and blood usage rate are already consistent.”
Most Thais have blood type O or B, which means that most patients who need blood also need O or B. Therefore, blood donation, regardless of blood type, will always be consistent between the donor and the recipient.
“One donation can help up to 3 patients.”
General blood donation is called Whole blood donation. It is a donation of 450 ml of complete blood, approximately 10% of the body. The red blood cells, lymph and platelets can be separated and distributed to each patient in need. Therefore, some people say that donating blood just once can help up to 3 patients. Whole blood donation can be done every 3 months.
There is also a donation called platelet donation, which is needed as much as whole blood donation. Platelet donation can be made every month. The doctor revealed that from the statistics, the person who donates the most often has donated up to 100 times.
Donating blood requires good preparation.
It’s not like we can suddenly go and donate blood. Before donating blood, we should eat a full meal and go to bed before midnight. If we sleep after 2 a.m., there will be a problem with the secretion of hormones, which will cause us to feel dizzy or faint during the blood donation. Most importantly, before donating, absolutely do not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke.
“Mental illnesses, even if they do not affect blood, cannot be donated.”
As we know, patients with heart disease and blood vessel disease cannot donate blood. But what most people don’t know is that people with mental illnesses, who have to see a psychiatrist, cannot donate blood. Because donating blood requires mindfulness, being able to control one’s mind in order to donate. Similarly, people with allergies, diabetes, and high blood pressure can donate blood. Just be able to control your mindfulness.
“You can donate blood even if you get vaccinated.”
Many people wonder if they can donate blood after getting vaccinated. Dr. Phatsawat explained that if the vaccinated person does not have any side effects, they can donate blood 7 days after getting vaccinated. However, if they get vaccinated and have side effects, they must wait 7-14 days after getting vaccinated before they can donate blood.
“Ischemia is something that society needs to be aware of, not just know about.”
Blood is what keeps our bodies alive and maintains our body’s balance. Since it is so important, I want everyone to realize that there are still many patients waiting for help. Donating blood every 3 months or donating platelets every month is not only beneficial to the recipient, but all of you, the givers, also benefit.
Conclusion
If anyone is thinking of donating blood but is afraid of the spread of COVID-19, I want you to know that Thammasat University Hospital has good preventive measures and is definitely safe for all donors. I want everyone to be aware of the need for blood and come out to donate blood.
Anyone interested in donating blood can donate on the 2nd floor of the Phalangjai Building (in front of the cafeteria at the Health Center 1). Open every Monday – Sunday (except public holidays) from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No lunch break. Or contact the Facebook page named Blood Donation, Thammasat University Hospital.
“Blood is in serious shortage. Donate blood and get through the COVID-19 crisis together.”
Follow the story behind the crisis and the actions of medical personnel at Thammasat University Hospital in dealing with the COVID situation in the program Unmask Story, stories behind the masks of medical personnel at Thammasat University Hospital.
Ischemia | Thammasat University Hospital
Or choose to listen to more information in Podcast format:
….
Recommended articles:
Thammasat University Center, Thammarak – Meet and leave happily
Watch the UNMASK STORY program
with Thammasat University Hospital
every Saturday at 8:00 p.m.
on the Facebook page @ New Generation Salaryman
and The Practical’s social media channels.
