With the increase in cars circulating on the roads, the number of accidents could increase and, consequently, the demand for transfusions
The low level of blood supplies has led the Department of Health of the State of Sao Paulo (SES) to launch an appeal for donations. According to the ministry, during long holidays, such as that of the deceased, a greater volume of vehicles circulates on the roads, which can increase the number of accidents and, consequently, the demand for transfusions.
O+ and O- stocks are at a critical level in the banks of the Pró-Sangue Foundation, managed by the Ministry. Types A and B are on alert for possible deficiencies.
When supplies of a blood type reach a critical level, it means that the quantity available is sufficient to meet demand for up to two days. “The holiday is a very beautiful thing for everyone, but for us who work in blood banks or even for our patients it is a complicated moment, because the donors do not show up. Stocks drop by 30% to 40%, so we ask that people come to the transfusion centers before the holidays”, said Carla Luana, director of the Fundação Pró-Sangue.
One donation can benefit at least three patients. According to her, the bag of concentrated red blood cells is good for 42 days and the plasma is good for at least a year. “This way we will be able to spend our holidays peacefully, serving patients without worrying about shortages,” she said.
The blood bank is used daily, but the O-, O+ and B- types are the ones that, historically, require the most donations, as the turnover is very high, according to Pró-Sangue. Every month the foundation collects and processes approximately 10 thousand bags of blood, destined to serve more than 80 public health institutions in the state network, including the Hospital das Clínicas, the Heart Institute, the Cancer Institute of São Paulo and the Hospital Dante Pazzanese.
The situation concerns other state institutions. Blood supplies at the GSH Ribeirão Preto blood bank are around 50% below the ideal level. “We will have three holidays in this month of November (All Souls’ Day on the 2nd, Proclamation of the Republic on the 25th, and Black Consciousness on the 20th), a fact that worries us, as we are already facing a critical situation of declining donations. We are mobilizing to ask for help from donors, who can plan to donate blood before the trip”, said Michele Caligioni, the institution’s donation collector.
The Blood Center of the Unicamp Hospital, in Campinas, also had low blood supplies. The level was critical for types O+, A+, A-, B- and AB-. The municipality of Jaguariúna, a city in the region, has planned a donation campaign this Saturday morning at the Medical Specialties Center to collect blood that will be sent to the Unicamp blood center.
The donated blood is intended for victims of road accidents and burns, as well as patients who will undergo medium and large surgical procedures, such as heart surgeries and transplants.
Basic requirements for donating blood:
- Good health conditions
- Be between the ages of 16 and 69, as long as the first donation was made before the age of 60.
- Weigh at least 50 kg
- Rest and eat (no fatty foods 4 hours before)
- Original document with recent photo present.
Main temporary impediments:
- Cold (wait 7 days after symptoms disappear)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Drinking alcohol within the previous 12 hours
- Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases
- Endoscopic examinations, tooth extractions and surgical interventions under general anesthesia
- Vaccinations (check at the donation site)
- Travel (check at the donation location)
Main definitive impediments:
- Clinical or laboratory evidence of blood-borne diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and Chagas disease
- Illicit injectable drug use.
Source: SES
The complete list of requirements and other information is available on the website www.prosangue.sp.gov.br.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
