The National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) is in dire need of blood.
According to a Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) press release, at this time of the year the demand for blood is high and the blood bank is short of all blood groups.
The NBTS collects all of its blood from voluntary, healthy donors. The unit of blood donated is screened and delivered through a network of Blood Banks countrywide and used as needed.
Persons who wish to become a Voluntary Blood Donor must be 17 years or older, in generally good health, free from any blood borne disease and weigh at least 110 pounds.
The donation process is very simple and requires the following steps:
· Registration of donor
· Mini health checks of your body weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and HB (Iron) level. The donor’s blood type will also be identified at this stage.
· A brief interview to determine if your sexual lifestyle and medical history permits you to donate blood. This session is very private and confidential.
· The actual blood donation stage where a unit (less than a pint) of blood will be taken.
· Refreshment
The entire blood donation process takes 20 minutes and a person who fits the criteria can donate blood as often as every two months. Blood donation allows the body to produce new red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body. Once these new cells are replicated, it allows the individual to feel more rejuvenated and healthier. Blood cannot be stored for long periods. One unit can be processed into three component parts, each of which has the potential of saving a life when used to treat separate medical conditions.
The MoPH is appealing to all voluntary donors and new donors to visit the NBTS located in the Georgetown Public Hospital Compound at East and Lamaha Streets, the blood donation facilities at the New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Suddie and Linden hospitals or one of their mobile units.
The NBTS is open on Monday to Friday from 0800hrs to 1800hrs and on Saturdays from 0900hrs to 1500hrs.
For further enquiries please call: 223 7182, 225 4972, 669 8776 or 644 9590
