level. During the health check too

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– ‘O’ Negative and ‘O’ Positive especially crucialA dire need for blood exists at the Ministry of Health’s National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS).According to information disseminated by the NBTS yesterday, efforts are currently being made “to satisfy the ever growing demand for this life saving product.”The NBTS, which is currently being headed by Dr. Julian Amsterdam, has made it known, too, that “at this time of year the demand is high and the blood bank is short of all types (of blood) but especially ‘O’ Negative and ‘O’ Positive.”But despite the desperate need for blood, the NBTS has made it clear that the goal of the organization is for all blood supplied in Guyana to be collected from voluntary, healthy donors.Dr. Amsterdam had earlier admitted to this publication that after several years of trying, the NBTS is still striving to achieve 100 percent voluntary blood donation.But according to him, currently voluntary donation is very close to the sought after target.Dr. Amsterdam said, “We have been moving the mark up in our efforts to phase out the replacement donation.In 2013 we had initially looked at 89 per cent. In 2014 we tried to move that to 100 per cent. The last we’ve checked we were above 94 per cent.”While figures had suggested that the target might have been met, Dr. Amsterdam asserted that this could be questionable, since some persons are asked to be replacement donors when their hospitalised relatives are the recipients of blood.It could therefore be argued that replacement donors cannot be classified as voluntary donors.”There is a continued culture whenever a patient goes to a private hospital especially; they are advised to have a relative donate units of blood. However, in the true and technical sense what happens, is that sometimes the relatives would come to donate, and when they discover that it is not a requirement to get units they still donate…so we will have to decide whether that is replacement donation or whether the relative is donating voluntarily,” said Dr. Amsterdam.In order to counter this situation he plans to encourage relatives to return to the Blood Bank at a time convenient to them in order to be classified as voluntary donors.The NBTS has over the years continually appealed for donors to give blood voluntarily to help save the lives of those in need.According to the NBTS in a press statement released yesterday “the unit of blood you donate is screened and delivered through a network of Blood Banks countrywide and used as needed.Every day, pregnant women, children, youths, adults and the elderly need blood in both our public and private hospitals.”Moreover, it was noted that units of blood are accepted from voluntary donors who are 17 years and older and are in generally good health, free from any blood borne diseases and who have a weigh of at least 110 pounds.The donation process entails registration of the donor; a mini health check comprising of the checking of the donor’s weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and HB (iron) level. During the health check too, the donor’s blood type is also identified.Donors are also asked, during a brief but private and confidential interview, to disclose their sexual lifestyle and medical history.At the actual blood donation stage, a unit (less than a pint) of blood is then taken after which the donor is offered a refreshment.The entire blood donation process takes about 20 minutes. A person, who fits the blood donation criteria, can donate blood every two months.Blood donation allows the body to produce new red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body. Once these new cells are replicated, it allows the individual to feel more rejuvenated and healthier, according to information out of the NBTS.It was noted, too, that blood cannot be stored for long periods and that one unit can be processed into three component parts each of which has the potential of saving a life when used to treat separate medical conditions.“We appeal to all our voluntary donors and new donors to visit the NBTS, our blood donation facilities at New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Suddie and Linden hospitals or one of our mobile units and “give a pint!” the NBTS said in its press statement.The NBTS is opened from 08:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 9:00hrs- 15:00hrs. Persons can also contact the NBTS on telephone numbers: 223 7182, 225 4972, 669 8776 or 644 9590.