Medically, there are several reasons as to why a person would need a blood donation, among them are Injury, surgery or illness. Blood and its life-saving abilities are available to doctors and hospitals as a result of donors, but what happens when that supply is compromised?
As the pandemic has swept the nation and the world, questions on blood supply and the safety of samples are making its way to the mindset of volunteer donors. How has the pandemic affected the nation’s blood supply and is it still safe to donate? The American Red Cross reports one blood donation can save up to three lives. One of the nation’s major suppliers of blood, the American Red Cross provides roughly 40 percent of the country’s blood and blood components such as red blood cells and platelets. However, since the pandemic, blood donations have slowed.
Although reports of a blood shortage have continued to circulate, blood donation centers across the country are urging eligible and willing donors to give their time and their blood to continue to help patients. For Michigan, while there is no direct evidence of a shortage of blood supply, donors are continually encouraged to give the gift that keeps on giving.
“Michigan does not currently have a blood shortage. However, the need for blood remains constant so we are always encouraging blood donation. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion,” says Meghan Lehman, regional communications director for the Michigan Region of the American Red Cross.
While the pandemic continues to affect life and everyday functionality, medicine and medical care are being tweaked to meet the needed level of critical care for ailing patients. The country, in the throes of a national health crisis, must now allocate the available blood supply based on need. In a joint statement released by the American Association of Blood Banks, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross, generosity is what keeps the availability steady:
“As the country adjusts to a new phase of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the availability of the U.S. blood supply is paramount. Blood is an essential part of the nation’s health care system and relied upon for medical treatments for millions of patients. No substitute for blood exists and blood products have a limited shelf life. Thus, the U.S. blood supply must constantly be replenished by blood donors whose generosity ensures the continued availability of blood for patients who depend on it.”
To ensure the safety and quality of each blood sample, The American Red Cross checks each donation with 10 tests to check for various diseases and abnormalities. The blood is also tested for coronavirus antibodies. Donors who have tested positive and have fully recovered from the virus, may be asked to donate their blood to help those who are still fighting the disease.
“The Red Cross is testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from routine blood and platelet donations that test positive for high levels of antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to meet potential future needs of COVID-19 patients. Currently, routine blood and platelet donors with COVID-19 antibodies are helping to contribute convalescent plasma units each week to help meet COVID-19 patient needs,” says Lehman.
Blood plasma is also in question with the pandemic. Different from a standard blood donation, which takes a few moments, the plasma donation process can take just about an hour. Compensated monetarily for their donations, plasma donors are giving the portion of their blood that carries immunity.
“Our parent company CSL Behring uses human plasma to produce therapies that are used around the world to treat bleeding disorders including hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema, inherited respiratory disease and neurological disorders in certain markets. CSL Behring’s products are also used in cardiac surgery, organ transplantation, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic diseases in the newborn, so many people can benefit from plasma donation,” says Rhonda Sciarra, director of communications for CSL Plasma.
When giving plasma, donors who have completely recovered from the virus are asked to wait 14 days after they are symptom-free.
“Laboratories test millions of plasma samples each year, ensuring the safety of the plasma. Both serological and Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) is conducted to identify viruses. NAT testing allows certain viruses to be detected even before a donor displays any symptoms or develops antibodies. This very sensitive screening can detect viruses earlier than serological testing,” says Sciarra.
Fully vaccinated donors are eligible to give as well. In this case, volunteers can give blood immediately as there is no deferral time. Donors are asked to make an appointment to help maintain the flow of traffic in and out of drives.
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