What does your blood contain? Doctor explains

Even with numerous advanced technologies and treatment methods developed in healthcare, the importance of blood in saving lives remains unchanged. In situations such as accidents, complex surgeries, obstetric emergencies, cancer treatment, and blood diseases, the timely availability of blood is a significant factor in the patient's treatment outcome. When severe bleeding occurs, the body's blood volume rapidly decreases. This can obstruct blood flow, carrying oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and lungs. In cases of significant blood loss, the patient is at high risk of entering a critical condition called Hypovolemic Shock. Furthermore, in this condition, blood pressure drops dangerously, and organ function deteriorates. Dr Junith Thomas, Consultant Transfusion Medicine at the Dr KM Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, Chengannur, explains importance of timely transfusion, blood banks and more.

If treatment isn't timely...
If timely treatment is not received, there is a high possibility of Multiple Organ Failure, posing a threat to life. Excessive bleeding after childbirth is one of the serious health problems that causes maternal mortality. In such circumstances, the availability of adequate blood at the right time greatly influences the success of the treatment. This is because timely blood transfusion helps maintain blood circulation and oxygen supply, stabilising the patient's condition. Conversely, delays in obtaining blood can affect the patient's treatment process, prolong recovery, and sometimes worsen complications. Therefore, a safe and adequate blood supply is an integral part of the healthcare system.

Why blood banks matter
Cancer patients and those undergoing chemotherapy may require platelets or other blood components as part of their treatment. Similarly, the efficient functioning of blood banks and modern blood storage systems plays a crucial role in ensuring the timely availability of blood for individuals with blood-related diseases like thalassemia.

Components of blood
A unit of 'Whole Blood' can be separated into three components: RBC, plasma, and platelets. By separating collected blood into various components and using them as needed, more patients benefit. However, blood and blood components must be stored safely at specific temperatures and undergo rigorous testing.

How to store blood
Precision and coordination are essential at every stage, from collection to delivery to the patient. On the other hand, the inability to store blood indefinitely is a major challenge for the healthcare sector. Since different blood components have different shelf lives, blood banks need to maintain a constant stock. Therefore, the continuous participation of willing blood donors throughout the year is essential to ensure the availability of safe blood as needed.

The consistency of blood donation is the main factor that strengthens the blood supply chain of any healthcare system. Regular blood transfusions are needed at precise intervals to maintain the supply. Therefore, blood availability plays a crucial role not only in emergency treatment but also in ensuring continuity of care over the long term.

Is there any substitute for blood?
It is not always possible to predict when blood will be needed. Therefore, a consistent culture of blood donation needs to grow in society to ensure safe blood is available when required. Hence, we should encourage all healthy individuals to donate blood regularly. Because there are no artificial substitutes for blood, the safe blood supply system relies entirely on voluntary donors. Moreover, blood components have a limited shelf life. Therefore, the participation of donors who donate blood continuously throughout the year is necessary. A blood donation today can be a source of hope for a patient in emergency treatment, someone requiring long-term care, or another individual undergoing complex treatment. Therefore, blood donation is not just an individual act of service but also a valuable contribution to the community's health security.