By Elizabeth Chimobi
For individuals considering blood donation, understanding what to expect can make the process smoother and less intimidating.
Blood donation is a safe and straightforward way to make a significant impact on others’ lives.
Knowing the steps before, during, and after donating blood can help you prepare.
In an exclusive interview with E-Naija, Professor Alani Sulaimon Akanmu, a Professor of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at the University of Lagos, emphasized the irreplaceable nature of human blood.
“Blood donation is crucial because no alternative exists. When someone loses blood and needs a transfusion, only human blood can suffice. Attempts to create substitutes that mimic blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity have failed due to toxicity and other issues,” he explained.
Blood donation remains essential because alternatives such as animal blood or synthetic substitutes have proven ineffective and incompatible with human physiology.
Even among humans, blood compatibility is limited to specific types, making human-to-human donation indispensable.
Importance of blood donation
According to Professor Akanmu, blood transfusions are necessary for several conditions, including hemorrhagic anemia, where rapid blood loss poses a severe threat to life.
Accidents, surgeries, and medical conditions often necessitate transfusions. Hospitals rely on blood banks to have pre-stored blood available for emergencies.
“We face tragedies when patients reach the hospital but cannot receive the blood they need,” said Professor Akanmu. “Having a well-stocked blood bank is crucial to save lives.”
Individuals with excess blood
Interestingly, some individuals have excess blood due to conditions like polycythemia or hemochromatosis.
Prof Akanmu explained that there are individuals that have excess blood and that excess blood is a disease condition, “If you have not enough blood it is also a disease condition.
When you have excess blood, we will say that you have polycythemia. When you have reduced blood we will say you are anemic or you have anemia.”
Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder leading to excessive iron absorption. For those affected, regular blood donation can serve as a form of treatment by reducing iron levels.
He said: “Excess blood in the body can damage the pancreas, leading to diabetes, and cause liver cirrhosis. It can also weaken the heart, a condition known as hemochromatosis cardiomyopathy.
Iron deposition in the joints can lead to chronic joint diseases common in elderly individuals. Those who regularly donate blood can mitigate these risks, as the excess iron that causes this tissue damage is reduced through blood donation.”
Professor Akanmu mentioned that research indicates that about 0.5 percent of the population may have inherited hemochromatosis.
Regular blood donation from these individuals could significantly meet transfusion needs while managing their condition. However, further genomic analysis is required to confirm these findings and develop appropriate policies.
Why blood donation is beneficial
Regular blood donation offers several health benefits. For Prof Akanmu, donors who give blood at least twice a year over ten years enjoy reduced risks of diseases related to iron overload.
Additionally, regular donation helps maintain active bone marrow, delaying the aging process and preventing anemia in the elderly.
“Blood donation is beneficial for everyone who is fit to donate. I often teach about the medical advantages of regular voluntary blood donation. We define a regular voluntary blood donor as someone who donates blood at least twice a year for a period of ten years or more. These donors enjoy significant health benefits.
“Firstly, regular donors are less likely to suffer from diseases related to iron overload. Secondly, these donors avoid what is known as “bone marrow hinging.” At birth, every part of our bones produces blood, but from age two to eighteen, this function decreases and becomes confined to specific bones, such as those in the skull, spine, shoulders, and ribs. By adulthood, most of the long bones have stopped producing blood and turn into fatty tissues as we age.
“However, regular blood donors maintain active bone marrow even in these long bones. For individuals aged 65 to 80, their bones remain healthier, resembling those of a 40 to 45-year-old if they have consistently donated blood throughout their lives. This prevents anemia commonly seen in the elderly.
“Although we lack local data, studies elsewhere indicate that regular blood donors live three to five years longer than those who have never donated blood.”
Studies suggest that regular blood donors may live three to five years longer than non-donors, highlighting the long-term health benefits of consistent blood donation.
“Although we lack local data, studies elsewhere indicate that regular blood donors live three to five years longer than those who have never donated blood,” Prof Akanmu said.
Recovery after blood donation
After donating a pint of blood, Prof Akanmu said donors may experience a temporary reduction in blood volume and hemoglobin levels.
He noted that the blood will typically return to normal within two weeks, provided the donor maintains a healthy diet rich in iron.
He said there are no lasting side effects, but donors should drink more non-alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours after donating blood.
Additionally, donors should avoid working out or engaging in strenuous physical activity for 24 hours and lie down for a few minutes until they feel ready to get back up.
Blood donation stimulates the bone marrow to produce new blood cells, ensuring a quick recovery.
Blood donation is a vital, life-saving act with numerous benefits for both recipients and donors. Understanding the process and eligibility criteria can help potential donors contribute confidently to this essential cause.