Harnessing the Power of Blood: Understanding Its Vital Role in Medicine and Beyond

Human blood and blood plasma cannot be artificially produced. Patients needing blood or medicines made from blood or Plasma depend on donors. Cancer patients need the most blood, followed by heart, stomach and intestinal patients, followed by accident victims in fourth place.

This is how our blood is made up.

Our blood consists of  55% blood plasma. This is the clear liquid that separates when blood is left to stand. Plasma consists mainly of water. But also from approx. One hundred twenty protein substances (4.5%), from which highly effective medicines are made, for example, coagulants for haemophiliacs (haemophiliacs) and immunoglobulins (preventive) against life-threatening infections, for example, hepatitis or tetanus.

It also contains 45% blood cells:

• 3% red blood cells (erythrocytes) transport vital oxygen from the lungs to all body cells.
• 0.1% white blood cells (leukocytes): The “body police” recognizes and destroys pathogens.
• 0.9% of blood platelets ( thrombocytes ) are mainly involved in hemostasis. People with blood cancer need them especially.

 

Blood & Plasma – 5 facts about donating & Receiving

1. Blood differs by blood group, for example, by Rhesus factor and other factors. The blood donated must match that of the recipient.
2. Many vital substances and medicines (blood products) are obtained from blood and blood plasma.
3. Whole blood is rarely transfused today! Most recipients receive the components of the blood they need in a very targeted manner. A blood donation can help many people.
4. Around 500 ml is presented when donating whole blood, which is only a tenth of the total amount of blood. The donation takes about 20 minutes. Including the examination, a rest period and a snack, just under an hour is enough.
5. You can also donate Plasma! In a particular device (plasmapheresis device), the blood cells are separated from the Plasma and returned to the body. The body replaces all components of the Plasma within two days! That’s why you can donate Plasma up to 40 times a year. The plasma donation itself takes about 40 minutes.

Blood has become very safe!

Many people worry about contracting AIDS or hepatitis, for example, if they get blood, blood plasma, or medicines made from blood plasma. Fortunately, these fears can now be dispelled. Safety precautions in Germany have improved immensely in recent years. The highest safety standards apply to recipients and donors:

• Donors are screened before each donation. If you have the slightest doubt, for example, after a piercing or staying in a malaria area, you must take a break.
• When donating, sterile disposable syringes and sterile disposable parts are used.
• The authorities regularly inspect all blood donation services.
• Every single blood or plasma preserve is examined using the most modern methods for HIV, various forms of hepatitis, syphilis, etc.
• Because some early-stage infections are not yet detectable in the blood, fresh Plasma is stored frozen in quarantine for six months. It will be used once the donor has been retested.
• Medicines made from blood plasma are “virus-inactivated” during production, which means that a wide range of viruses are rendered harmless.

Since 1998, Germany has been one of the few countries with a transfusion law. It ensures the highest safety and quality standards. Modern government agencies monitor the safety of blood products. The German Medical Association and the Blood Working Group constantly revise the scientific standards.

 

What blood donors want to know

1. Can blood donations not be substituted for autologous blood donations? 

Yes, about 5 to 15%. To do this, treatment must be planned well in advance, and the person’s state of health must make it possible to donate blood. This is often not the case with cancer patients, for example.

2. Why should I donate for free or for a small fee? 

Donating blood is voluntary. People who take risks should not be attracted because they need money.

3. Donate whole blood or Plasma? 

Germany essentially supplies itself with whole blood. Conversely, plasma must still be imported to produce medicines such as factor VIII and immunoglobulins.

4. Do I have any advantages if I donate? 

Yes, definitely! The first time, you will find your blood type, such as the Rhesus factor. Blood pressure, pulse, temperature and specific blood factors are examined each time. If necessary, you will learn about an infectious disease early and can react quickly.

5. Who can donate how often? 

Men can donate blood six times a year. On the other hand, women only do it four times since they also lose iron through menstrual bleeding and need a longer time to build it up again. Plasma can be donated up to 40 times yearly by 18 to 65-year-olds.

6. Is there any harm in donating blood or Plasma? 

Definitely no, because the amounts donated are small and are quickly replaced – and the small prick doesn’t (usually) hurt either!

Did you know…

• Around 15,000 blood donations are needed daily in Germany, whichwhich is over 4.5 million a year.
• That 66% of all people need blood, blood plasma or medicines from it at some point in their lives?
• However, only 2.5% of Germans donate blood voluntarily and free of charge several times a year. Our thanks go to these two million fellow citizens! However, 30% of Germans are generally willing to donate.