| Popis: |
Blood is described as a connective tissue. It provides one of the means of communication between the cells of different parts of the body and it is composed of a fluid part called plasma and a cellular mass called Corpuscles. Blood transfusion is an essential component of the health care system of every country and patients who require blood transfusion service as part of the clinical management of their condition have the right to expect that sufficient and safe blood will be available to meet their needs. One blood donation (1 pint) can save up to three lives. Blood is made up of three different life saving components which include plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. Blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come from generous donors (1). Transfusion of blood and its related products is still one of the major medical interventions utilized in treatment of serious conditions such as trauma, surgery and chemotherapy. There is almost always an urgent need for blood to save a life; therefore, it is imperative that hospitals and urgent clinics always have immediate access to a certain amount of blood and its related products. Blood transfusion, the gift of blood constitutes an important part in overall supply chain. The aforementioned underscores the importance of recruitment of safe blood donors. To ensure the best clinical outcomes, appropriate and safe blood and blood products should be collected and readily available to be used in special medical conditions (2). Despite significant progress in the field of clinical sciences, recruitment of safe blood donors and maintaining a sufficient supply of safe blood remains a challenge. The best and safest method of blood donation is voluntary non-remunerated donation. Voluntary blood donation is practiced more in countries with higher income. It has been reported that the rate of blood donation in developed countries is 18 times higher than in developing countries (3). |
