Introduction:

Blood banks play an essential role in medical emergencies, surgeries and trauma care, as well as for treating chronic conditions like Thalassemia or Hemophilia. They play this vital function to make blood transfusions possible when needed.

This article will explore the importance of blood banks, the process of blood donation, and how organizations like Sundas Foundation are making a difference.

What is a Blood Bank?

A blood bank is a medical facility that stores various blood components for medical treatments. Donated blood must be protected during its storage process to guarantee its availability for immediate medical procedures when required. A blood bank ensures this safety by keeping donated blood cold-stored until needed for use in treatment procedures.

Blood banks play an essential role, providing lifesaving transfusions for surgical, trauma, or chronic illnesses such as Thalassemia or Hemophilia patients undergoing procedures or living with conditions like Thalassemia and Hemophilia. An efficient blood bank ensures medical professionals have access to sufficient supplies of blood necessary for these individuals' recovery and survival.

How Long Can Blood Be Stored in a Blood Bank?

Blood is a precious resource, and understanding how long it can be stored is essential for both donors and recipients. Theshelf life of blooddepends on its components:

• Whole Blood:Can be stored for up to 35-42 days, depending on the anticoagulant used.

  
  

• Red Blood Cells:These can be stored for up to 42 days.

  
  

• Platelets:Must be used within 5-7 days.

  
  

• Plasma:Can be frozen and stored for up to a year.

  
  

The storage of blood in a blood bank is carefully managed with advanced refrigeration systems and storage techniques. For instance, red blood cells must be kept at 1-6°C, while platelets are stored at room temperature with gentle agitation to prevent clumping. Plasma is stored in deep freezers at -18°C or lower to preserve its integrity.

How to Get Blood from a Blood Bank?

When individuals need blood, whether for a surgery, trauma, or a chronic condition like Thalassemia, they can get it from a blood bank. The process involves several key steps to ensure the patient receives the right blood:

1. Doctor's Prescription:A healthcare provider evaluates the patient's needs and prescribes blood.

2. Blood Type Matching:The blood bank performs compatibility testing to match the patient's blood type with the donated blood.

3. Request from Blood Bank:The hospital or clinic places a request for the required blood type from the blood bank.

4. Collection and Transfusion:Once the match is found, the blood is transported to the hospital for transfusion.

At Sundas Foundation, the blood donation process is streamlined, ensuring that patients in need of blood transfusions for conditions like Hemophilia and Thalassemia receive timely and free treatment.

Storage of Blood in a Blood Bank

Blood banks play an essential role in storing blood and its components for safe usage over extended periods. Here is how components of blood are typically stored:

Red Blood Cells:should be stored in refrigerated units to maintain temperatures between 1-6 °C for optimal conditions of storage.

Plasma:For best results, store plasma in deep freezers below -18 °C to preserve its clotting factors and proteins.

Platelets:Kept at room temperature with gentle but constant agitation to avoid clumping and maintain functionality.

Blood banks make sure the donated blood remains safe by following stringent storage protocols, helping avoid potential complications for patients.

The Role of Sundas Foundation in Blood Donation

Sundas Foundation: Leading the Way

Sundas Foundation stands out as one of Pakistan's premier blood banks, providing free transfusions for patients suffering from Thalassemia, Hemophilia and other life-threatening blood conditions. By organizing free treatment camps as well as donation drives across Pakistan, Sundas ensures an uninterrupted source of blood.

Sundas Foundation runs blood banks in major cities like Karachi, Lahore and Sukkur, where blood donation camps are held to collect voluntary contributions of blood from volunteers. Furthermore, its team works tirelessly to assist patients who require frequent blood transfusions, such as Thalassemia patients, by offering access to safe, screened blood.

Plasma and Cord Blood Banking

Sundas Foundation not only collects and stores whole blood but also plasma and cord blood for use by burn victims or patients with clotting disorders; while cord blood may help treat cancerous tumors or any number of blood disorders.

Sundas Foundation stands out from private centers by providing cord blood banking free of charge; even patients from low-income backgrounds benefit from having access to this valuable resource.

Conclusion

Blood banks are indispensable institutions in healthcare, and organizations like Sundas Foundation play a crucial role in ensuring that blood transfusions are available to all who need them. Whether through donating blood, raising funds, or supporting blood donation camps, everyone has the opportunity to make a difference. Support Sundas Foundation today, and help us save lives, one blood donation at a time.

FAQs

1. What is a blood bank?

A blood bank is a facility that stores and manages blood and its components (red blood cells, plasma, platelets) for future medical use in treatments like surgeries, trauma care, and chronic diseases such as Thalassemia.

2. How can I donate blood to Sundas Foundation?

You can donate blood by visiting any of the Sundas Foundation blood donation camps or contacting our offices in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Sukkur.

3. What happens if I need blood in Pakistan?

If you need blood, you can approach local blood banks such as Sundas Foundation, Red Cross, or White Cross, where your blood type will be matched and provided based on availability.

4. Can I donate blood if I have Thalassemia?

No, if you have Thalassemia, you cannot donate blood as you require blood transfusions. However, Sundas Foundation offers free blood transfusions for Thalassemia patients.

5. How does Sundas Foundation help people in need?

Sundas Foundation provides free blood transfusions for patients with Thalassemia, Hemophilia, and other chronic conditions. The foundation also operates blood donation camps and accepts donations to continue its work.

6. What cities in Pakistan does Sundas Foundation operate in?

Sundas Foundation operates across Pakistan, including major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Sukkur, providing free blood and medical services to those in need.