“It is imperative to increase the reserves of blood products to ensure that the needs of patients are met”. This Wednesday March 5, the French Blood Establishment (EFS) calls urgently for blood donations. This start of the year was synonymous with a sharp drop in attendance at sampling sites, due in particular to seasonal epidemics. “Reserves are dwindling, but needs remain constant”, he emphasizes. This is why the organization invites donors to come in large numbers to collection sites.
The lifespan of blood products is short: 42 days for red blood cells and only 5 days for platelets. Plasma, which freezes, can be stored for 1 year. ” 10,000 blood donations are needed every dayto meet the needs of patients and no product can replace the blood of voluntary donors ”, recalls the EFS.
Group O negative donors are particularly sought after because their red blood cells can be transfused in all patients. “But donors of any blood type are welcome”. “Every donation counts! “, he adds. The objective is to increase the reserves of 30,000 bags during the month of March. However, certain conditions must be observed.
Who can donate blood?
To donate blood, you must be between 18 and 70 years old and weigh more than 50 kg. After age 60, the donation is subject to the approval of an EFS collection physician. To donate plasma and platelets, you must be between 18 and 65 years old. A woman can donate 4 times a year, a man 6 times, with a deadline of at least 8 weeks between each. If in doubt, you can skip the online test “Am I eligible for blood donation?” “.
How does the sample take place?
Concretely, between the pre-donation interview, sampling, rest and snack time, the donor’s journey lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. But the act itself lasts between 8 to 10 minutes. Between 400 and 500 ml of blood is taken, depending on the donor’s blood volume.
Where to give?
All collection locations are available on the EFS website.
Because the lifespan of blood products is short and we need 10,000 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients, every donation counts! Join us quickly in fundraising: https://t.co/KBUvav9lH9#Blood donation@MinSoliSantepic.twitter.com/yhAnjqqiUg
– French Blood Establishment (@EFS_dondesang) March 5, 2019
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