The importance of blood donation!

Blood donation is the only way to save the lives of patients in need of transfusions.
Blood cannot yet be artificially produced, nor do substitute substances exist.
Blood donated cannot be stored for long periods (concentrated red blood cells for 35 days, platelets for 5 days), and continuous and steady blood donation is necessary to maintain the appropriate blood stock of 5 days' supply.

However, while our country is self-sufficient in blood for transfusions, we import plasma-derived components used as raw materials for pharmaceuticals from abroad.
It is said that approximately 3 million blood donors need to participate annually in order to be self-sufficient in blood supply without importing from abroad.

• Blood donation is restricted if the weight is less than 50kg for men and less than 45kg for women, if blood pressure is below 90mmHg systolic or 180mmHg or higher, if diastolic blood pressure is 100mmHg or higher, if the pulse rate is less than 50 beats per minute or exceeds 100 beats, or if the body temperature exceeds 37.5°C.

• For component donation, a hemoglobin level of at least 12.0 g/dL is required; for whole blood donation, at least 12.5 g/dL is necessary to donate.

• Platelet component donation is possible if the platelet count is 150,000 or more per microliter.

• The medical interview is conducted to prevent the occurrence of blood donation-related symptoms in donors and to protect the health of recipients, and the interview nurse reviews the blood donation record card completed by the donor to determine eligibility for donation.

Especially now, after the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, blood donations have sharply decreased, putting pressure on blood supply. If you have the time and opportunity, it would be good to help out.

We can be in a situation where we need a blood transfusion at any time. Donating blood when healthy is an act of love for yourself, your loved ones, and ultimately for all of us!