nbts.gov.jm Blood Donation Process : Jamaica

Organization : National Blood Transfusion Service
Facility : Blood Donation Process
Country : Jamaica
Website : http://nbts.gov.jm/

Blood Donation Process :

Step One – Registration :
The NBTS is required to keep accurate records on blood donors therefore persons visiting collection centres or blood drives are required to provide personal details about themselves.

Related : Child Development Agency Adoption Procedure Jamaica : www.statusin.org/28803.html

We also ask for a picture ID/TRN card. Workplace , school or national IDs are acceptable means of identification.

Step Two – Medical Screening :
After registration is completed, medical screening checks are done in order to assess if the potential donor is healthy enough to give blood.

The NBTS takes every precaution to ensure that the donor’s health is not compromised during the process.
** Haemoglobin estimation

** At this stage the staff member will prick your finger and take a drop of blood in order to estimate your haemoglobin (iron) level.
** Medical Interview

** The Medical Doctor or Nurse in charge will conduct a confidential medical interview with you and check your weight and blood pressure. You will be told if you are cleared to donate or whether you are deferred temporarily or permanently.

If you have any doubts or concerns about your health status before you register, you should ask to speak with a member of the medical team before proceeding as this will save you time.

Step Three – Blood Donation :
After successful completion of the screening tests you will be asked to sit on the donor chair and the nurse will take the required steps for you to donate one unit of blood. This stage is approximately 4-10 minutes depending on the individual.

Step Four – Relaxation :
The Nurse will assess if you have donated a unit of blood and take the required steps to remove the unit and other materials used in the process. Sample tubes will also be taken for testing purposes.

You will be asked to apply compression to donation site for a few minutes and later a small band-aid will be used to cover the area.

You will be asked to rest for a few minutes and drink a cup of liquid refreshment to compensate for blood donated. Your unit of blood can help to save the lives of three persons.

Eligibility :
This information explains how YOU can help us make the donation process safe for yourself and patients who might receive your blood.

Who can be a blood donor?
** You must be in GOOD HEALTH
** Within the ages of 17 to 60 years
** Must weigh more than 110 pounds
** Males and females are equally welcome

What to do before you donate blood?
** Have a good night’s rest
** Have a meal 1-3 hours before donating
** Have at least 3 glasses of water 3 hours before donating
** Wear loose fitting clothing, especially the upper garment

How do we determine if you are eligible to donate blood?
** We will ask questions about health, travel and medication
** We will ask questions to see if you might be at risk for hepatitis, HIV or any other blood borne infection.

** We take a small blood sample to make sure you are not anaemic and to identify your blood type
** We take your blood pressure, pulse.

How long does the process take?
Please reserve about 45 mins to 1 hour for donating. The actual bleeding process takes 4-10 mins (depending on the individual). The rest of the time is needed for processing and resting after donation.

What to do after you donate?
** Drink a lot of fluids
** Take the rest of the day easy

** After donating most persons will not feel different and are able to perform their usual duties. Your body will naturally replace the blood that you donated.

What is your blood used for?
** Replace blood lost due to trauma (motor vehicle accidents, stabs wounds, burns etc.)
** Treat persons with rare abnormalities such as haemophilia

** Replace blood lost during surgical procedures (cardiac surgery, complications in pregnancy, etc)
** Improves the quality of life for sickle cell patients
** Anaemia of various causes