BLOOD COLLECTION
Before blood collection and After taking the medical history, physical examination and checking the hemoglobin level, the donor is guided to the Blood Donation Room. The name and other particulars of the donor are counter checked and the following procedure is adopted:
2. Clean it thoroughly with iodine and methylated spirit.
3. A sphygmomanometer cuff is wrapped around the upper arm.
4. Inspect the bag that contains the anticoagulant (CPDA-1, shelf life 35 days). It should be clear and colorless.
5. Label the bag and two plain, glass test tubes/screw-capped bottles (to be used later as pilot tubes).
6. Now raise the pressure in the sphygmomanometer cuff to 50-80 mm of Hg. The veins will become prominent.
7. Perform the phlebotomy. The blood will start flowing into the bag.
8. The attendant should observe and ensure that the blood is flowing at a steady speed and he/she should gently mix the blood in the bag (or automatic mixing/weighing equipment should be used).
9. The attendant should also look for the condition of the donor. If she/he manifests signs of fainting, sweating or palpitation, then the process should be stopped at once.
10. When the required quantity of blood has been collected (this takes less than 10 minutes) the pressure in the sphygmomanometer cuff is released. Two clamps are applied as close to the needle as possible. The tubing is then cut between the clamps with small scissors. Take a sample of blood in pilot tubes by releasing the clamp near the needle and then apply it again.
11. Sterile gauze is placed over the puncture site, the needle is withdrawn and the puncture site is sealed aseptically with an adhesive dressing.
12. The arm and the general well-being of the donor should be checked.
THE STORAGE OF BLOOD:
Blood must be stored in a blood bank refrigerator that operates between 2-6°C. It should be well-lit and should be equipped with alarm and temperature-recording devices. The red cell concentrates/whole blood can be stored for 35 days from the date of collection, in blood bags containing CPD-A1, as the solution. Citrate is a calcium-chelating agent that prevents the blood from clotting. Dextrose is provided as a nutrient for the red cells to support the generation of ATP by glycolysis, thus increasing the red cells‘ viability. The addition of adenine is also associated with the improved synthesis of ATP in stored blood.
AFTER-PROCEDURE CARE OF THE DONOR:
1. Make sure that the bleeding has stopped from the site of the phlebotomy.
2. Let the donor remain lying on the couch for at least 10 minutes so that her/his circulation can re-adjust itself.
3. The donor is provided with a light refreshment (particularly tea/coffee) and is requested/advised to refrain from smoking for at least one hour.
4. Before the donor leaves the blood donation center, it is confirmed that she/he is perfectly all right and that there is no more bleeding from the site of the phlebotomy.
THE SCREENING OF BLOOD:
Once the blood has been donated, pilot tubes are sent to the Screening Department. The following tests should be performed routinely on the donor's blood:
1. ABO and Rh typing
2. Screening for hemolysins (Group O individuals)
3. Screening for antibodies other than the ABO group antibodies
4. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C screening (HBsAg, Anti-HCV antibody)
5. Screening test for AIDS (Anti-HIV antibody)
6. Screening test for Syphilis (VDRL)
7. Screening for malaria parasites in high-risk areas
Any positive reaction observed in ANY of the screening tests makes the blood unit unfit for transfusion and it should be discarded.
