List of Blood Banks

The human body contains approximately five liters of blood, which comprises different types of cells and substances, such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Each of these components has unique qualities and specific functions.

Packed red blood cells: Packed red blood cells are derived from whole blood collected directly from the donor and mixed with an anticoagulant. After collection, the whole blood is centrifuged to separate the red cells, platelets, and plasma. The isolated red cells are combined with a preservative to create packed red blood cells. Packed red blood cells are commonly used to treat severe anaemia in various medical conditions and address blood loss during childbirth, surgery, or traumatic incidents. These red cells can be stored for up to 42 days at 2-6 degrees Celsius.

Plasma: Plasma is the liquid part of blood. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets float in the plasma. It carries cells and proteins throughout the body. It is composed mainly of water but also contains vital substances like hormones, nutrients, and waste products. Plasma donations are essential for treating various medical conditions, including burns, trauma, and clotting disorders. Through apheresis, plasma can be separated from other blood components and collected from donors to help patients in need. Plasma, if frozen below -30 degrees after separation, can be stored for up to one year.

Platelets: Platelets, or thrombocytes, are essential for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. They are crucial in treating patients with bleeding issues, whether from injury, surgery, or low platelet levels. Blood centres can extract platelets from whole blood donations, which can be stored for up to 5 days at temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. Donors can give platelets every two weeks, with a maximum of 24 donations per year.

What are blood banks?

A blood bank is a facility where blood is collected from donors, typed, separated into components, stored, and prepared for transfusion to recipients. It may operate as an independent facility or be part of a larger hospital laboratory.

What happens to blood in a blood bank?

The blood banking process starts with the collection of blood from volunteer donors. About 1 pint (about 450 mL) of whole blood is collected along with small tubes for testing, which are labelled with donor information and sent for processing and testing.

Whole blood can be stored only for a limited time, but various components, such as red blood cells and plasma, can be frozen and stored for extended periods. Therefore, most blood donations are separated into components by the blood bank, including platelets for managing bleeding, concentrated red blood cells for treating anaemia, and plasma to aid in clotting. The donated blood is then taken to a processing centre, separated into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma through centrifugation. White blood cells are removed to decrease the risk of adverse reactions in recipients.

Additionally, the blood samples are tested for diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. If any tests come back positive, the donor is notified, and the blood is not used. ABO groups and Rh factors are also determined during this process.

After screening and processing, the blood is stored for up to 42 days or until needed. Blood banks ensure hospitals have a reliable blood supply for patients in need.

What are the services provided at blood banks?

Blood banks provide a variety of essential services related to the collection, processing, storage, and distribution of blood and blood components. These services include:

1. Blood collection

Donor recruitment and screening: Recruiting and screening potential blood donors to ensure they are eligible and healthy.

Blood donation drives: Organizing blood donation camps and drives at various locations.

Apheresis: Collecting specific blood components such as platelets or plasma from donors using apheresis technology. (Apheresis is a process where blood is taken from a donor, and specific parts like platelets or plasma are separated and collected. The rest of the blood is returned to the donor)

2. Blood processing

Component separation: Separating whole blood into its components (red blood cells, plasma, and platelets) for more efficient use.

Testing and screening: Testing all donated blood for infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, etc.) and other safety parameters.

Blood typing and cross-matching: Determining blood types and ensuring compatibility for transfusions.

3. Storage and inventory management

Refrigeration and freezing: Storing blood and blood components at appropriate temperatures to maintain their viability.

Inventory control: Managing blood stock levels and ensuring the availability of various blood types and components.

4. Distribution

Supply to hospitals and clinics: Providing blood and blood components to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Emergency blood supply: Ensuring rapid availability and distribution of blood in emergencies and disasters.

Who is eligible to donate blood?

• Anyone between 18 and 65 years of age
• The donor’s haemoglobin levels should be more than 12.5 gm/dL
• They should weigh at least 45 kg
• The donor should be a healthy person and free from active illnesses
• The interval between the two donations should be three months or more for males and four months for females 

Donors must provide a detailed medical history, including chronic conditions, medications, and surgeries. Certain conditions (e.g., HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and C) and behaviours (e.g., high-risk sexual activity, drug use) may disqualify potential donors.

Pregnant women cannot donate blood, and it is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Women should wait at least nine months after giving birth and until three months after the baby starts eating solid foods before donating blood.

References

1. Learn about donation. Available from: https://www.eraktkosh.in/BLDAHIMS/bloodbank/transactions/bbpublicindex.html. Accessed on 28^th May 2024
2. Definition of blood bank. Available from: https://www.rxlist.com/blood_bank/definition.htm. Accessed on 28^th May 2024
3. American Red Cross. What is a blood bank? Available from: https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/news/article/blood-banks-defined.html Accessed on 28^th May 2024
4. American Red Cross. Importance of plasma in the blood. Available from:  https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-information.html. Accessed on 28^th May 2024
5. World Health Organization. Who can give blood? Available from: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2019/who-can-give-blood. Accessed on 28^th May 2024
6. Tata Memorial Hospital. Available from:  https://tmc.gov.in/m_donation/donation/BloodDonate . Accessed on 28^th May 2024