Careone

CareOne Clinics Blog

2025 06 14

10 Comments

World Blood Donor Day

One drop of blood may seem small, but to someone in need, it holds the power of life. Be the reason someone gets to live another day.

Dr Olakunle Oladehin

Blood Donation and Its Importance

“A Life-Saving Act That Impacts Millions”

World Blood Donation Day is a generous tribute to the millions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give others a second chance at life. Every 14th of June, the world celebrates these heroes whose generosity saves lives, strengthens communities, and embodies the spirit of solidarity.

We are in a critical situation regarding blood shortages worldwide, especially in Nigeria.

Did you know that Nigeria needs about 1.8 million pints of blood annually, yet only 27% comes from voluntary donors? Around 80,000 women die each year due to complications during childbirth—many of which are attributed to blood loss, with lack of access to blood transfusion being a major contributing factor.

What is Blood?

Blood is a specialized bodily fluid that circulates through the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins. It is a fluid connective tissue that provides communication between cells in various parts of the body and the external environment. Blood delivers essential substances such as oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products.

It flows through every organ of the body, kept in continuous circulation by the heart, traveling through:

Arteries – carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.
Veins – returning deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Composition of Blood

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) – Transport oxygen using hemoglobin.
White Blood Cells (WBCs) – Defend the body against infection.
Platelets – Aid in blood clotting.
Plasma – The liquid component carrying cells, hormones, nutrients, and waste.

How is Blood Synthesized?

Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow through a process called hematopoiesis:

Stem cells differentiate into RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
Regulated by hormones like erythropoietin (for RBC production).

Importance of Blood

Transports oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Removes carbon dioxide and waste products.
Fights infections through immune cells.
Clots at injury sites to prevent bleeding.
Regulates body temperature and pH balance.

Blood Groups

Blood groups are inherited, stable characteristics that give rise to the antigen-antibody system. These may be detected early in fetal life and, except for the Lewis and I systems, remain unchanged until death.

Some red blood cells carry proteins (antigens) on their surface that can stimulate an immune response if transferred between incompatible individuals. The presence or absence of these inherited antigens determines a person’s blood group.

Types of Blood Groups

1. Major Blood Group Systems:

ABO System:
- A
- B
- AB
- O
Rhesus System:
- Rhesus positive
- Rhesus negative

2. Minor Blood Group Systems:

Kell's Blood Group
Duffy Blood Group
Lewis Blood Group

Why Blood Grouping and Rhesus Factor Matter

Ensures compatibility in transfusions.
Crucial in pregnancy (Rh incompatibility can affect the fetus).

What is Blood Donation?

Blood donation is the voluntary process of giving blood to help patients in need. It is used in transfusions for illnesses, surgeries, trauma, and chronic diseases such as sickle cell anemia.

Types of Blood Donation

Whole Blood – Most common; all components collected.
Platelet (Apheresis) – For cancer patients, clotting disorders.
Plasma Donation – Used in burns, shock, and clotting deficiencies.
Double Red Cell – Collects extra red cells; useful for trauma or anemia.

Who Can Donate?

Age: 17 to 65 years
Weight: At least 50 kg
Hemoglobin: ≥12.5 g/dL (females), ≥13 g/dL (males)
Must be healthy and free from infections
Must not engage in high-risk behaviors

Health Screening Before Donation

Medical questionnaire (illnesses, medications, travel)
Vital signs: weight, blood pressure, temperature
Hemoglobin test (finger prick)
Blood group determination

This ensures donor eligibility and recipient safety.

The Blood Donation Process

Registration & Screening
Donation (8–10 minutes, 350–450 mL)
Rest & Refreshments (10–15 minutes)
Post-donation Advice (stay hydrated, avoid heavy lifting)

Importance of Blood Donation

To Recipients:

Saves lives in emergencies and surgeries
Treats anemia and sickle cell disease
Essential during childbirth and cancer treatment
One donation can save up to 3 lives

To Donors:

Free health screening
Stimulates new blood cell production
Regulates iron levels
Boosts emotional well-being and sense of purpose

Crossmatching Before Transfusion

Ensures compatibility between donor and recipient
Prevents transfusion reactions
Done after ABO and Rh typing

Universal Donor and Recipient

Universal Donor: O⁻ (no A, B, or Rh antigens)
Universal Recipient: AB⁺ (has all antigens)

Note: Crossmatching is still required for safety.

Recipient	Can Donate To	Can Receive From
O⁻	All groups	O⁻
O⁺	O⁺, A⁺, B⁺, AB⁺	O⁻, O⁺
A⁻	A⁻, A⁺, AB⁻, AB⁺	A⁻, O⁻
A⁺	A⁺, AB⁺	A⁺, A⁻, O⁺, O⁻
B⁻	B⁻, B⁺, AB⁻, AB⁺	B⁻, O⁻
B⁺	B⁺, AB⁺	B⁺, B⁻, O⁺, O⁻
AB⁻	AB⁻, AB⁺	AB⁻, A⁻, B⁻, O⁻
AB⁺	AB⁺	All types

Donation Safety

Sterile, single-use needles
No risk of infection
Plasma replaced in 24 hours
Red cells restored in 4–6 weeks

Who Needs Blood the Most?

Accident and trauma victims
Sickle cell or thalassemia patients
Pregnant women with complications
Cancer and surgical patients
Premature babies needing transfusion

Common Misconceptions

Myth: It’s painful
Fact: Only a brief prick
Myth: Causes weakness
Fact: Body replenishes fast
Myth: Risk of infection
Fact: Sterile tools are used

How Often Can You Donate?

(Based on Nigeria – National Health Policy Guidelines)

Whole Blood: Every 12–16 weeks
Platelets: Every 2–4 weeks
Plasma: Every 2–4 weeks

Tips: Stay hydrated and well-rested

Call to Action

Be a life-saver. Donate blood.
Encourage friends and family.
Join or organize community blood drives.
One unit = up to 3 lives saved

Tags : Prevention , Equity , Access , Quality of Life , Health Goals

Comment 10

Rachelle Hollie

October 24, 2025, 10: 06 PM

I want to thank Dr Osato for curing me from HSV-2 with his herbal medication. All the symptoms of herpes are completely gone from my body and it's been over 3yrs now since i got cured from herpes with Dr Osato herbal medicine and my result still shows Negative, my doctor confirmed with me that I am totally cleared from HSV-2. I just want to let you all know that Dr Osato herbs cure HSV-1&2 completely from the body and you can contact him to get the herbal cure if you are suffering from HIV/AIDS, HERPES-1 & 2, HPV AND CANCER. You can contact Dr Osato on his email: [email protected] or WhatsApp him on +2347051705853 to get the herbal product and get rid of the virus completely from your body. Dr Osato is real and a great herbalist who can help you from your illness. His website is https://osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com or you can message him on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Osato-Herbal-Cure-106002928040920

SUSAN JOEL

November 14, 2025, 9: 20 PM

Herpes is a serious and recurring disease which can't be cured through drugs or injections by the American doctors but the best way to deal with herpes is by taking natural herbal medicine for it, and is only few American doctors that know about this herbal medicine, from Dr Uma.. I have read about Dr Uma the great herbalist doctor from African who can cure Herpes with his herbal medicine. for the people suffering from the following diseases Hiv, Herpes, Cancer, Herpatitis B, Diabetes, Hpv, Infections ETC should contact him for his herbal medicine because i am a living testimony and i was cured of HERPES. Although, i sent him what he requested and he sent me his medicine which i took for three weeks and when i went for test i was tested Herpes Negative. you can reach him through his email address:[email protected] or Whatsapp +2347035619585 Thanks Dr Uma.

anna cassidy

November 15, 2025, 7: 05 AM

I was told there is No Herpes Cure except treatment to control it. I totally lost hope all i could think was loosing my life because it was so embarrassing to have this virus. A few weeks ago I read about a possible natural cure which was 100 percent guaranteed. And I ordered the treatment from Dr Uma. And I also told him about my sister's cancer, After some weeks we got 100% cured. Now I'm so excited to share this testimony to every article for others living with HERPES, CANCER, PENIS ENLARGEMENT, HPV,HIV, etc. there is possible natural treatment to eliminate this virus. Email him for more info! [email protected] or message him on WhatsApp +2347035619585.

SUSAN JOEL

November 17, 2025, 4: 50 AM

anna cassidy

November 17, 2025, 5: 09 AM

SUSAN JOEL

November 20, 2025, 9: 10 PM

Steve Micheal

November 28, 2025, 9: 10 AM

DR AZIBA HERBAL MEDICINE is the natural male support formula designed to take your sexual performance to another level. This is the formula designed to combat against all sexual complications and erectile dysfunction. The supplement promotes healthy production of testosterone hormone in body that increases sexual desires and endurance, while helping you to perform harder and longer on bed. It reduces the fatigue levels and sexual decline caused due to aging and optimizes the sexual drives and arousal levels for peak performance on bed. DR AZIBA HERBS even focuses on increasing your circulation of blood across penile chambers. This increment in the circulation widens the blood vessels for increased holding capacity and this treats the root cause of ED in males. It reduces your fatigue levels and allows you to last longer with intense orgasms and better sexual drives. It also maximizes your sexual climax by allowing you to hold your ejaculation longer when performing on bed. Get in contact with DR AZIBA via Email:( [email protected] ) And WhatsApp him directly on ( +2348100368288 )

Sweet Mssimonej

November 30, 2025, 9: 53 AM

I Recommend Dr Agbonhale to everyone for his great work for curing me from Herpes with his Herbs Remedy and today i'm cured i am happy to share the good news and to also let everyone know how great his herbs remedy is with no side effect. i am free from the herpes virus with no side effects. kindly reach him out. WhatsApp: +2349073130326 Email: [email protected] website: https://dr-agbonhale-herbal-home.jimdosite.com/

Rose C Moss

November 30, 2025, 1: 38 PM

Powerful Herbal treatment is 100% guarantee for HSV cure, the reason why most people are finding it difficult to cure HSV 1 or 2 is because they believe on medical report, drugs and medical treatments which is not helpful to cure HSV and hasn't proved any sign of helping. Natural roots/herbs are the best remedy which can easily eradicate herpes forever. I never believed it until I was helped and cured of my 16 months genital herpes with natural herbal medicines from Dr Sikies. Where other medical prescribed drugs and treatments failed, Dr Sikies natural herbs helped saved me from Genital herpes permanently and I’m so grateful for this. You can also get help from this great and powerful Herbalist Dr Sikies by reaching himon Email: [email protected] / WhatsApp +2348163430143 website to make order now : https://drsikiesherbalcuremedicine.weebly.com/

GIFT JOY

December 05, 2025, 9: 55 PM

Thanks to Dr. keneddy I was cured of herpes. I had been suffering from herpes for seven years before I met Dr. Keneddy who used herbs to heal me. I am living proof that Dr. Keneddy can help others suffering from herpes or any other diseases. I saw Dr.Keneddy recommendations online and contacted him. He prepared herbal medicine and sent it to me. I followed his instructions and took the medicine for 14 days. The results returned negative when I went to the hospital for a test. It was the happiest day of my life to find out that I was cured of herpes. If you also suffering from the same virus or another disease, you can contact him via email [email protected] or WhatApp him on +2347041979530