The blood Transfusion Unit (BTU) is a section in the Laboratory department responsible for collection, processing, testing, storage and distribution of blood and blood products. It ensures that blood is safe for transfusion by screening it for transmissible infections like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. It also determines compatibility between donors and recipients and provides appropriate blood components e.g. Packed Red blood cells, plasma, platelets and clotting factors to patients in need. BTU plays a crucial role in the clinical management of patients by providing blood and blood products for patients undergoing surgeries, cancer patients, chronically ill patients, accident victims and those with blood disorders.
TYPES OF DONATIONS
There are two major types of donations:
1. Whole blood donation – the donor gives whole blood with all its components.
2. Apheresis donation – Specific components are donated.
APHERESIS DONATION
This is a process in which specific components of blood (e.g. platelets, plasma or white cells) are separated and collected through a process called centrifugation, while the remaining blood is returned to the donor. Patients in need of those components are then transfused, and examples include patients with leukemia, aplastic anemia, patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), autoimmune disorders and open-heart surgeries.
Advantages of Apheresis donation:
1. Targeted donation – Specific components that are in high demand, e.g. platelets which are often needed for cancer patients or those undergoing surgery.
2. Reduced need for multiple donors – The process allows one donor to provide larger quantities of specific components.
3. Frequency – Because donors donate specific components rather than whole blood, they may be able to donate more frequently than those donating whole blood.
BLOOD DONATION PROCESS
The blood donation process is simple and safe. Any potential risks are minimized by following strict medical protocol and using sterile equipment.
Below is the step-by-step overview of what happens:
Registration and Health check
Upon arrival, the donor is triaged by the donor nurse by giving out personal information and a brief medical history through a donor’s questionnaire to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for donation. The nurse will also check the donors’ vital signs to ensure they are in good health. A small sample of blood is taken (usually from the finger prick) to check the donors hemoglobin levels. The recommended levels should be equals to or greater than 12.5g/dL This ensures that the donor has sufficient levels to safely give blood.
Donation:
During whole blood donation, approximately 450-470mls of blood is collected. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. For apheresis donations, the process takes longer than whole blood donation depending on the donor’s parameters such as platelets count, gender, height and
weight. Post-donation care and recovery Once the donation process is complete, the donor is asked to rest for 15 minutes for monitoring and re-hydration with some water and snacks to help restore energy and prevent lightheadedness. Most donors return to their usual activities after the rest, though they are advised to avoid heavy exercises for 24 hours.
Donation frequency:
Whole blood donations: Male donors can donate after every 3 months while female donors after every 4 months.
Apheresis donations: Platelets donations can be done every two weeks while plasma donation can be done after every 28 days.
THE HOSPITAL’S BTU DONORS REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING HOURS
Our BTU services, caters for both whole blood and apheresis donations. It is our desire to make your donation process smooth and faster. Therefore, we request that you come early and have a light meal two hours prior to donation. We are open every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays, throughout the year from 9am – 4pm.