Allogeneic donor selection and blood collection by Mohammed Abu-basha 1

An allogeneic (also called homologous) donation (allo- from the Greek meaning "other") is when a donor gives blood for storage at a blood bank for transfusion to an unknown recipient. (genetically different) The donor and recipient are of the same species (human→human). A directed donation is when a person, often a family member, donates blood for transfusion to a specific individual. by Mohammed Abu-basha2

When a person has blood stored that will be transfused back to the donor at a later date, usually after surgery, that is called an autologous donation. Xenogeneic: The donor and recipient are of different species. Isogeneic: The donor and recipient individuals are genetically identical (e.g., monozygotic twins) by Mohammed Abu-basha3

Each year, about 7,000 units of whole blood are needed in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center (CC) to treat patients undergoing organ and tissue transplants; and other diseases that require blood transfusions. by Mohammed Abu-basha4

What is Whole Blood? Whole blood consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets suspended in a protective yellow liquid known as plasma. Most patients receiving transfusions do not need all of these elements. One pint (unit) of whole blood is usually processed by a spinning method into red blood cells, which carry the oxygen needed by patients who are anemic; platelets, needed by patients who are bleeding; and plasma, transfused to patients whose blood is not clotting. Therefore, one donation of whole blood can treat three different patients! by Mohammed Abu-basha5

Is it Safe to Give Whole Blood? Absolutely. Many safeguards are taken to assure that no harm comes to you during or after donation. First, we obtain a medical history and check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature to assure that you are in good health. We take a small sample of blood from your finger to confirm that you have an ample number of red cells to share. All equipments used to collect your blood is sterile and disposable. After donation, we provide delicious snacks and drinks. by Mohammed Abu-basha6

Blood Donation Process The donor area should be attractive, accessible, and open at hours convenient for donors. It must be well lighted, comfortably ventilated, orderly, and clean. Personnel should be friendly, understanding, professional, and well trained. The area must provide adequate space for private and accurate examinations of individuals to determine their eligibility as blood donors, and for the withdrawal of blood from donors with minimum risk of contamination or exposure to activities and equipment unrelated to blood collection. by Mohammed Abu-basha7

Blood centers and transfusion services depend on volunteer donors to provide the blood necessary to meet the needs of the patients they serve. To attract volunteer donors and encourage their continued participation, it is essential that conditions surrounding blood donation be as pleasant, safe, and convenient as possible. by Mohammed Abu-basha8

To protect donors and recipients, donors are questioned about their medical history and are given a miniphysical examination to help blood center staff determine whether they are eligible donors. The phlebotomy is conducted carefully to minimize any potential donor reactions or bacterial contamination of the unit. by Mohammed Abu-basha9

Registration The information obtained from the donor during registration must fully identify the donor. The following information should be included: 1.Date and time of donation. 2.Name: Last, first. 3.Address: Residence and/or business. 4.Telephone: Residence and/or business. 5.Gender. 6.Age or date of birth. Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age or the age stipulated by applicable state law. by Mohammed Abu-basha10

Information Provided to the Prospective Donor All donors must be given educational materials informing them of significant risk of the procedure, the clinical signs and symptoms associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and AIDS, high-risk activities for transmission, and the importance of refraining from donating blood if they have engaged in these activities or experienced associated signs or symptoms. The donor should be provided with information about the tests to be done on his or her blood. Before donating, the prospective donors must document that they have read the material and have been given the opportunity to ask questions about the information. by Mohammed Abu-basha11

This information must include a list of activities defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that increase the risk of exposure to HIV. A description of HIV-associated clinical signs and symptoms, including the following, must be provided: 1.Unexplained weight loss. 2.Night sweats. 3.Blue or purple spots on or under the skin or on mucous membranes. 4.Swollen lymph nodes lasting more than 1 month. 5.White spots or unusual sores in the mouth. 6.Temperature greater than F (38.1 celsius) for more than 10 days. 7.Persistent cough and shortness of breath. 8.Persistent diarrhea. by Mohammed Abu-basha12

Donor Selection The donor screening process is one of the most important steps in protecting the safety of the blood supply. It is, therefore, imperative that proper guidelines and procedures be followed to make the donor screening process effective. Medical History While the medical history is obtained, some very specific questions are necessary to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, it is safe for the donor to donate and for the blood to be transfused. by Mohammed Abu-basha13

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Are the health history questions necessary every time I donate? To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all donors must be asked all the screening questions at each donation. The FDA requires that all blood centers conform to this practice. by Mohammed Abu-basha17

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