About Blood

Functioning of Blood Centre

Blood donations help Lakhs of patients in need. To make the journey from “arm to arm,” every unit goes through a series of steps and tests to ensure that it is as safe as can be.

The Donation

  • PDonor Registration
  • PHealth History & Mini-Physical Examination
  • PThe Bag, Test Tubes and the Donor record are labeled with an identical bar code label to keep track of the donation
  • PThe donation is stored in Insulated Box until it is transported to the Patients

Processing

  • PDonated blood is scanned into a computer database
  • PMost blood is spun in centrifuges to separate the transfusable components – Red cells, Plasma and Platelets
  • PThe primary components like plasma, can be further manufactured into components such as Cryoprecipitate
  • PSingle Donor Platelets are leuko reduced
  • PTest tubes are sent for screening of Transfusion Transmitted Infection

Testing

Steps 2 and 3 take place in parallel.

  • PA multiple tests are performed on each unit of donated blood – to establish the blood type and test for Transfusion Transmitted Infection
  • PIf a test result is positive, the unit is discarded and the Donor is notified. Test results are confidential and are only shared with the Donor, except as may be required by law

Storage

  • PWhen test results are received, units suitable for transfusion are labeled and stored
  • PRed Cells are stored in refrigerators at 2º to 6ºC for up to 35 or 42 days
  • PPlatelets & SDP are stored at room temperature 20º to 24ºC in agitators for up to five days
  • PPlasma and Cryo are frozen and stored in freezers below -18 ºC up to one year

Distribution

Blood is available to be issued to needy patients as per the demand, 24X7