Yesterday, I mentioned that as National Red Cross Month is coming to an end, I want to make sure that you all are aware of your options as far as blood donations are concerned. Whole blood donation may not be for everyone, but there are other transfusable products that you can donate and still save lives! I've already enlightened you about platelet donation, so aside from that and red blood cells, there are 2 more transfusable products that both come from the same source in the blood!
Before sitting in the donor's chair, you have to decide what you would like to donate. One thing that you can decide to donate on it's own is plasma! Plasma in your blood contains an abundance of proteins and it is used for therapeutic purposes. But did you know that there is yet another product that can be derived from the plasma itself? That product is called cryoprecipitate. This product is prepared directly from the donated plasma and it contains fibronectin and fibrinogens, which are blood clotting factors. Why exactly are those things needed? Cryoprecipitate is used to control bleeding or is transfused prior to an invasive procedure to patients with hypofibrinogenemia, or a deficiency of fibrinogen in the blood. In other words, it's used to help the blood clot so patients do not bleed excessively. Personally, I think that is pretty awesome! To be able to donate any component of blood is an amazing thing, but to be able to donate one that has such a specific purpose is even neater! Just as an aside, both plasma and cryoprecipitate don't have as short of shelf-lives before they expire. These blood components are frozen after collection and can be used up to a year after they are donated.
Who knew that there were so many options for donors?! To be able to pick and choose how to be a hero and yet still save lives is the beauty of the American Red Cross. We all have our preferences, and when we each act on them, we are helping others in our own ways. As always, there are blood drives going on tomorrow! Here are March 28th's blood drives in South Carolina:*
Agape Hospice- Camden
Ashley Ridge High School- Summerville
McBee High School- McBee
Aiken Mall- Aiken
*All dates and locations were obtained via the official American Red Cross Website.
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