Blood is essential to the human body and according to the American Red Cross, approximately every two seconds in the United States, a person becomes in need of it due to medical reasons. Since blood cannot be created synthetically, the medical field relies on donors to provide this life-sustaining resource. It is estimated that only five percent of the population donates blood, though there is a much greater need for it.
Since blood plays such an important role in the medical field, it is crucial that the blood is handled appropriately before a patient receives it. From collecting it at a donation center to being stored in a biorepository like Pacific BioStorage.
Basics of Donating
When you decide to donate blood, it can be done through a local blood drive. Another option is locating a center that is AABB-accredited in your area. Blood donation centers are available throughout the country with large cities hosting more than one.
Once you have located the appropriate place to donate, you must meet the criteria set by the center. Once the requirements are met, the center collects around one liter of blood.
After donating, most people walk away never knowing exactly what happens to the blood.
Directly After the Donation
When a person donates blood, there are very rigid rules and regulations that are followed. Immediately after the blood is collected into tubes and bags, the donation center labels and stores it in special refrigerators designed to keep it at the optimal temperature. Generally, each unit of blood can be refrigerated for up to 42 days before being discarded. It can also be frozen for longer periods and used at a later date. Within a short amount of time after donation, the blood is transported to a laboratory.
Upon arrival at the lab, the blood is separated into red cells, platelets and plasma through a spinning process using a centrifuge. During this process, the blood is also tested to determine the blood type and to check for any infectious diseases. If an infectious disease is detected, the blood is immediately discarded and the donor is notified confidentially.
If the results of the testing are favorable, the blood is labeled and stored at a designated blood bank or an off-site biological repository. An example of a repository is Pacific BioStorage. This company is capable of storing, transporting and managing biomaterials, including blood. Employees at the blood banks or repositories are specially trained for handling blood.
The length of storage time depends on the component of the blood.
- Red cells are stored for up to 42 days in a refrigerator
- Platelets are stored at room temperature for up to five days
- Plasma has a shelf life of up to one year when frozen
Distribution of Blood
After the blood is tested and stored, it is ready for distribution to hospitals in order to save lives. Once the blood center is notified by the hospital of the need, the blood is packed in temperature-controlled containers and transported using delivery trucks or couriers.
The Final Step
Once the hospital receives the requested blood, a blood transfusion takes place. While considered a routine medical procedure, it can be a vital part in saving a person’s life. During a blood transfusion, the donated blood is added to the patient’s blood through an intravenous line placed in a vein, generally in the arm. The transfusion itself can take several hours depending on the amount of blood needed. In emergency situations, the blood can be delivered faster.
Some of the most common reasons hospitals use donated blood is:
- Treat cancer patients
- Provide blood transfusions
- Treat diseases such as sickle cell anemia
