Blood Donation in Theni District

A specific format was finalized to collect the details of donors name, address, age, telephone numbers, e-mail address and the blood group. The data was collected and compiled through Theni Government Medical college Blood Bank and Government Headquarters Hospital Periyakulam.

The Blood Donors Directory gives information regarding the Donors and their Blood Groups. The Directory is made Blood Group wise and is handy for use by all. It also gives information on Blood Transfusion, Blood safety and other interesting chronological developments related to Blood Transfusion.

It is requested to all who are interested in voluntary blood donation to register and help to save lives.

History

The earliest documentation of blood transfusion is found in the religious text of many civilizations. The first documented demonstration of blood transfusion was between two dogs by Richard Lower in 1665.

Landsteener discovered the ABO Blood Group system in 1901, which is one of the most important landmark discoveries in the Transfusion Medicine. In the 1970s voluntary donors were accepted as blood donors. These donors were later on found to people having high-risk activities and the recipients were found to be suffering from liver diseases. This lead to another discovery of Hepatitis B transmitted by donated blood. Since then testing for the hepatitis B antigen was implemented and this together with cessation of paid donors reduced the incidence of post transfusion hepatitis. Further studies also made us to include tests for Malaria, Syphilis, AIDS, and Hepatitis C to make the donated blood as safe as possible to the recipient.

What is blood?

One can almost say that blood is that magic potion which gives life to another person. Though we have made tremendous discoveries and inventions in Science we are not yet able to make the magic potion called Blood. Human blood has no substitute. Requirement of safe blood is increasing and regular voluntary blood donations are vital for blood transfusion services.

Eligibility criteria for blood donation

Who can donate blood?

Donor should be between 18-55 years of age with a weight of 50 kg or above with pulse rate, body temperature and blood pressure should be normal. Both men and women can donate. There are only few conditions in which donors are permanently excluded. The donor with history of epilepsy, psychotic disorders, abnormal bleeding tendencies, severe asthma, cardiovascular disorders, malignancy are permanently unfit for blood donation. Donors suffering from disease like hepatitis, malaria, measles, mumps, and syphilis may donate blood after full recovery with 3-6 months gap. Also people who have undergone surgery, blood transfusion may safely donate blood after 6-12 months for woman donors who are pregnant or lactating blood is not taken as their iron reserves are already on the lower side.

How much blood can be taken?

Our body has 5.5 ltr of blood of which only 350 ml - 450 ml of blood is taken depending upon weight of donor. Majority of healthy adults can tolerate withdrawal of one unit of blood. The withdrawn blood volume is restored within 24 hours and the hemoglobin and cell components are restored in 2 months. Therefore it is safe to donate blood every three months.

What is done with the blood collected?

The blood collected in sterile, pyrogen free containers with anticoagulants like CPDA or CPDA with SAGM. This prevents clotting and provides nutrition for the cells. This blood is stored at 2-6 C or -20 C depending on the component prepared. Donated blood undergoes various tests like blood grouping antibody detection, testing of infections like hepatitis, AIDS, Malaria, syphilis and before it reaches the recipient it undergoes compatibility testing with the recipient blood.

Modern Blood Transfusion Practice:

Modern blood transfusion basically deals with the optimal use of one unit of blood. One unit of whole blood is separated into components making it available to different patients according to their requirement. Thus one unit of blood is converted into packed cell volume, fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrate, cryoprecipitate and granulocytes concentrate. Another important practice is apheresis. This is separation of only desired component from the donor and return the remaining constituent back to donor. This technique is also used for remaining pathological substance in patients. Withdrawal of blood for transfusion is regarded as a safe procedure now and blood donor has emerged as the single most vital link. So this year my dear friends 'Donate Blood' and give somebody a GIFT OF LIFE.

Necessity

The Theni District Blood Bank must collect 100 pints of blood every day in order to meet the needs of area hospital patients who are battling for life-threatening obstetrics emergencies, medical and surgical emergency and also accident cases.

Facts About Blood and Blood Donation

• One for each day between your blood donation!

• Hundreds of Indians would die each year without life saving blood transfusions.

• Approximately 32,000 pints of blood are used each day in India.

• Every three seconds someone needs blood.

• One out of every 30 people entering a hospital needs blood.

• Just one pint of donated blood can help save as many as three people’s lives.

• The average adult has 10 pints of blood in his or her body.

• One unit of blood is roughly the equivalent of one pint.

• Blood makes up about 7% of your body's weight.

• A newborn baby has about one cup of blood in his or her body.

• The average red blood cell transfusion is 3.4 pints.

• Blood fights against infection and helps heal wounds, keeping you healthy.

• There are four main blood types: A, B, AB and O. 'AB' is the universal recipient and 'O' is the universal donor.

• Blood centers often run short of type O and B blood and also Rh Negative.

• Shortages of all types of blood occur during the summer and winter holidays.

• If all blood donors gave 2 to 4 times a year, it would help prevent blood shortages.

• If you began donating blood at age 17 and donated every 56 days until you reached 76, you would have donated 48 gallons of blood.

• About three gallons of blood supports the entire nation's blood needs for one minute.

• Blood donation takes four steps: medical history, quick physical, donation, and snacks.

• The actual blood donation usually takes less than 10 minutes. The entire process, from when you sign in to the time you leave, takes about 45 minutes.

• Giving blood will not decrease your strength.

• You cannot get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood.

• Fourteen tests, 11 of which are for infectious diseases, are performed on each unit of donated blood.

• Any company, community organization, place of worship or individual may contact their local community blood center to host a blood drive.

• People donate blood out of a sense of duty and community spirit, not to make money. They are not paid for their donation.

• Much of today's medical care depends on a steady supply of blood from healthy donors.

• One unit of blood can be separated into several components (red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate).

• Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s organs and tissue.

• There are about one billion red blood cells in two to three drops of blood.

• Red blood cells live about 120 days in the circulatory system.

• Platelets help blood to clot and give those with leukemia and other cancers a chance to live.

• Apheresis (ay-fur-ee-sis) is a special kind of blood donation that allows a donor to give specific blood components, such as platelets.

• Donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection.

• Donated platelets must be used within five days of collection.

• Plasma can be frozen and used for up to a year.

• Plasma is a pale yellow mixture of water, proteins and salts.

• Plasma, which is 90% water, constitutes 55% of blood volume.

• Healthy bone marrow makes a constant supply of red cells, plasma and platelets.

• People who have been in car accidents and suffered massive blood loss can need transfusions of 50 pints or more of red blood cells.

• The average bone marrow transplant requires 120 units of platelets and about 20 units of red blood cells. Patients undergoing bone marrow transplants need platelets donations from about 120 people and red blood cells from about 20 people.

• Severe burn victims can need 20 units of platelets during their treatment.

• Children being treated for cancer, premature infants, and children having heart surgery need blood and platelets from donors of all types.

• Anemic patients need blood transfusions to increase their iron levels.

• Cancer, transplant and trauma patients and patients undergoing open-heart surgery require platelet transfusions to survive.

• Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease that affects more than 80,000 people in the United States, 98% of whom are of African descent. Some patients with complications from severe sickle cell disease receive blood transfusions every month – up to 4 pints at a time.

• In the days following TSUNAMI attacks, a thousands of people donated blood.

• Females receive 53% of blood transfused; males receive 47%.

• 94% of all blood donors are registered voters.

• 60% of the Indian population is eligible to donate – only 5% do on a yearly basis.

• 17% of non-donors cite “never thought about it” as the main reason for not giving, while 15% say they’re “too busy.” The #1 reason donors say they give is because they “want to help others.”

• After donating blood, you replace these red blood cells within 3 to 4 weeks. It takes eight weeks to restore the iron lost after donating. Granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, roll along blood vessel walls in search of bacteria to eat.

• White cells are the body's primary defense against infection.

• There is no substitute for human blood.

Reasons to Donate Blood

• Blood transfusions save lives.

• There's no substitute for human blood.

• Every three seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion.

• About 60 percent of the population are eligible to donate blood, yet less than five percent do.

• A pint of blood, separated in to components, can help up to three people.

• You'll make your community a safer place.

• Fulfills your desire to "give back" to the community.

• You'll receive a mini physical (blood pressure, temperature, iron level).

• You'll learn your blood type.

• It's safe, simple and it saves lives

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 17 (16 years - old can donate with written permission of parent or guardian).

• Weight: At least 49.896 Kgs. (110 pounds).

• Diet: A well-balanced meal is recommended within four hours of donation.

• Health: General good health

• Identification: Valid identification such as a driver's license, DMV identification card, passport, social security number, etc.

Do not donate if any of the following apply to you:

• AIDS: You are a person with symptoms or laboratory evidence of HIV infection.

• Cancer: Hematological, ie: Hodgkin, Leukemia, Lymphomas

• Hepatitis: A history of the disease after the age of 11, or a positive lab test for the virus.

• Organ Failure: Kidney, lung or liver failure.

• Recreational Drug use (by injection): Having injected yourself with drugs not prescribed by a physician.

Condition

• Allergy - No Wait

• Abortion/Miscarriage - 6 week wait if pregnancy terminated in third trimester, otherwise no wait

• Acupuncture - Can donate if single-use equipment is used

• Alcohol Consumption - No wait unless intoxicated

• Aneamia (past diagnosis) - No wait if corrected

• Cancer, treated surgically with radiation or chemotherapy, except for hematological cancers - 1 Year

• Diabetes - No wait if medically controlled

• Ear and Body Piercing - See Acupuncture

• Electrolysis See - Acupuncture

• Gonorrhea - 1 Year

• Heart Disease - Angina or Heart Attack (M.I., No Heart Medication) - 1 Year

• Heart Disease - Angioplasty or Bypass Surgery (No Heart Medication) - 1 Year

• Hepatitis Contact - Depends on Type

• Herpes - Free of Fever/Systemic Symptoms

• High Blood Pressure - No Wait if Medically Controlled

• Malaria/Immigration from Malarial Area - 3 Years

• Travel to Malarial Area - 1 Year

• Pregnancy - 6 Week Wait After Delivery

• Recent Surgery - When Released from MD's Care

• Syphilis - 1 Year

• Tattoo - 1 Year

You can not get AIDS from Donating Blood

Only sterile, disposable equipment is used throughout the donation process, which makes it virtually impossible to contract a disease from donating blood.

“ Everybody has it Everybody needs it ”

This red liquid carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, and carries carbon dioxide and other waste products back to the lungs, kidneys and liver for disposal. It fights against infection and helps heal wounds, so we can stay healthy.

There's no substitute for blood. If people lose blood from surgery or injury or if their bodies can't produce enough, there is only one place to turn -- volunteer blood donors

Vital Events - 2005 - Theni District

• Birth Rate, per 1000 population : 17.0

• Death Rate, per 1000 population : 6.5

• Infant Mortality Rate, per 1000 Live Births : 18.8

• Maternal Mortality Ratio , per 1000 deliveries : 1.1

• Still Birth Rate Per 1000 deliveries : 14.3

• Couple Protection Rate - 2005 : 69.3

• Sex Ratio – 2001 : 978/1000 Males

Blood Banks in Theni District

Government Blood Bank

• Govt Theni Medical College & Hospital, Kadamanur Vilakku, Theni (Telephone: 04546 -  04546 -  243722, 243602)

• Govt District Head Quarters Hospital, Periyakulam (Telephone:04546 - 231292)

Approved Blood Bank

• Vikram Lab and Blood Bank, Periyakulam Raod, Theni (Telephone: 04546 - 253137, 251727)

Voluntary Blood Donor Organisations

Government

• Madurai Kamaraj University College  Aundipatti. (Telephone: 04546-242398)

• Govt., Horticulture College, Periyakulam. (Telephone: 04546-231422)

• Govt.I.T.I, Theni. (Telephone: 04546-252240)

• P.H.N Govt Hr.Sec.School, Kamatchipuram. (Telephone: 04554 - 247225)

• Armed Reserve Police,  Theni. (Telephone:  04546 - 253624) 

Private

• HKRH College, Uthamapalayam.  (Telephone: 04554-265225, 226033)

•  Nadar Saraswathi Womens College  Vadapudupatti, Theni. (Telephone: 04546-269297)

• Odaiyappa college of Engg., & Tech.,  Theni. (Telephone: 04546-252670)

• Bharat Niketan Engineering College, Aundipatti. (Telephone: 04546-242970)

• C.P.A. College,  Bodi. (Telephone:  04546-280247, 280654)

• V.O.C. I.T.I, Chinnamanur. (Telephone:  04554 - 247565)

• Mahalir Munnetra Sangam, N.G.O  133, Indira Nagar, Chinnamanur. (Telephone:  04554-247251)

• Thangamuthu Polytechnic College, Periyakulam. (Telephone:  04546 - 235234, 235218)

• P.T.R. I.T.I, Kailasapatti, Theni. (Telephone:  04546 - 230013)

• Anandam Silks & Readymades, Theni  Mr.S.G. Natarajan, Lions Club president. (Telephone: 04546-251954, 254426,253403, 94430 25340)

• Nambikkai Jewellers, Chinnamanur. (Telephone: 04554 - 247502)

• District Polio Co-Ordinator, Rotary Club, Periyakulam,  Dr.Selvaraj, Vadugapatti.  (Telephone: 04546 - 231539,98947 31539)

• Sri Athi Chunjanagiri Women's College, Cumbum. (Telephone:  04554-223777)

• Sourastra College of Arts, Veerapandi, Theni. (Telephone:94430  46793, 93448 51403)

• Jeyaraj Annapackiam College for Women, Thamaraikulam, Periyakulam. (Telephone: 04546 - 231273)

• Jeyaraj Chelladurai Arts College, Periyakulam. (Telephone: 04546 - 235272, 9865470540)

• Paramedical College, Sillamarathu Patti. (Telephone:  98625 12601)

• L.S.Mill, Theni. (Telephone: 04546 - 395006)

• CENDECT, Kamatchipuram. (Telephone: 04554 - 247245, 9443047245) 

• Wireless India, Rtn. S. Balaji, International Service Director, Theni. (Telephone:  04546 - 254256, 9842106054)