NBTS in dire need of blood

The National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) is appealing to all its voluntary donors and new donors to visit the NBTS, the blood donation facilities at New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Suddie and Linden hospitals or one of its mobile units and “give a pint!”, since it is in dire need of blood to satisfy the ever growing demand for this “life-saving” product.

According to NBTS at this time of the year, the demand is high and the blood bank is short of all types, but especially O Negative and O Positive.

The goal of the NBTS is for all the blood supplied in Guyana to be collected from voluntary, healthy donors. The unit of blood you donate is screened and delivered through a network of Blood Banks countrywide and used as needed.  Every day, pregnant women, children, youths, adults and the elderly need blood in both our public and private hospitals.

If you are 17 years or older, in generally good health, free from any blood borne disease and weigh at least 110 pounds, you can become a Voluntary Blood Donor.

The donation process is very simple and requires the following steps:

• Registration of donor
• Mini health checks comprising your body weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and HB (Iron) level. The donor’s blood type will also be identified at this stage.
• A brief interview to determine if your sexual lifestyle and medical history permit you to donate blood. This session is very private and confidential.
• The actual blood donation stage where a unit (less than a pint) of blood will be taken.
• Refreshment

The entire blood donation process takes 20 minutes. A person, who fits the criteria, can donate blood every two months. Blood donation allows the body to produce new red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. Once these new cells are replicated, it allows the individual to feel more rejuvenated and healthier.  Blood cannot be stored for long periods.

One unit can be processed into three component parts each of which has the potential of saving a life when used to treat separate medical conditions.

The NBTS will be open from 08:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 9:00hrs- 15:00hrs.

For further information please call NBTS on Telephone 223 7182, 225 4972,

669 8776  OR  644 9590.