Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 02, 2010 News
Manager of the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), Ms. Shameeza Mangal, is advising persons to become a part of the Good Samaritan Programme and be encouraged to donate blood voluntarily.
Ms. Mangal said that continued support from the media is vital if the nation is to reach the target of 100 per cent voluntary blood donations.
She said the Good Samaritan Programme has shown development each year since 2004 when it was 18 per cent. In 2005 it grew to 22 per cent; 2006 to 31 per cent; 2007 to 38 per cent, 2008 to 55 per cent and 2009 to 68 per cent.
Mangal said that the blood bank is seeking voluntary blood donors who are dubbed Good Samaritans under their programme, which targets two per cent of the adult population.
She explained that traditionally in Guyana over the years, persons donate blood only when a loved one would have been a patient in the hospital. However, persons are advised that one unit of blood donated could save two to three lives randomly.
Mangal said when each blood donation is given, eight blood-borne disease tests are done. These include tests for five Sexual Transmitted Diseases — HIV, HTLV, syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C— and three vector type diseases— filaria, malaria, and chagas. Tests can take as long as 72 hours before the blood is ready for distribution.
Mangal affirmed that this year the Blood Bank is tasked by the Minister of Health to bring in 9,000 units of blood, of which 80 per cent should be voluntary donations.
There are Blood Banks in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six and Ten.
She further explained that blood components are separated into divisions in a laboratory. The shelf life of whole blood is 35 days; blast frozen plasma can last up to one year, platelets can last up to five days.
Ms Mangal further explained that a person having open heart surgery could require as much as 22 units of blood. People involved in accidents could also need as much as nine units of blood, while pregnant women needing blood can utilize as much as seven to nine units of blood.
“There should always be positive step towards the donation of blood.”
She stated that organisations can invite the blood bank to educate their staff on the subject matter of donating blood.
Mangal said that there will be a need for collaboration between Non-Governmental organisations, faith-based organisations and individuals, including senior Regional officials.
With a wide network of individuals and organisations recruiting donors, there is a greater likelihood that blood drives will comfortably secure a satisfactory amount of units.
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