I have been looking forward to this since I donated my first pint a few weeks ago. Especially as I had a bit of an iffy time of it afterwards. - The following morning when I got up for work I almost collapsed twice, which is very random for me as I have never fainted, ever, in my whole life. I felt awful all day after that, but I'm fairly sure it is because of a lack of fluids after donating as I was unprepared beings I'd had to convince myself to turn up.
Blood is typed due to it's antigen's, which are tiny protein markers on the surface of the red blood cells, A types have A antigen's and B types have B antigen's, type AB has both antigen's and type O has neither. There is a third antigen called Rhesus which provides the positive (if you have it) and the Negative (if you don't) variant of each ABO group.
Both my parents are A+ blood group, and according to the chart and by likelihood I assumed I'd follow suit, but apparently not, as the letter I received today states that I am O- blood type, which I am quite proud of, as A+ and O+ are the most common blood groups in the UK, where as only 7% of the population has O- and it is really important to donate as it can be given to absolutely anyone! It is often used for emergencies when the patient's blood group is unknown as it is the safest option, or in some specialized procedures on young babies. However the O- group can only receive their own in a transfusion, unlike the other groups who have at least 2 options.
This knowledge has definitely reinforced my reasons for being a blood donor, if anyone can receive my blood type then I have the potential to help a lot of people, and also help the other O- types out there who might need it. Of course all blood is incredibly valuable, and it's so rewarding to donate, I just hope we can encourage others to donate as well and increase the blood stocks around the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment