Blood Donation: A Life-Giving Act

The Nativity Centre was abuzz with activity on the morning of June 30th, as members of the parish Care Team and the Transfusion Medicine Unit of Hospital Seberang Jaya prepared for a life-saving mission. With 15 staff members from the hospital, including medical officers, nurses, medical lab technologists, and a driver, the hall was transformed into a mobile blood donation centre.

The driving force behind this event was parishioner and Care Team member Ms Josephine Justine Bueng, who is also a staff nurse at Hospital Seberang Jaya. Apart from collecting blood to meet the local demand for blood supply, the campaign also aimed to raise awareness about the vital importance of blood donation among parishioners and those living in the vicinity, said Josephine.

The blood donation process began with a quick registration of personal details, where potential donors were also given a form with questions about relevant medical and lifestyle histories to fill out. They then went to a medical lab technologist for weight checks, blood group testing, and haemoglobin (red blood cells) level assessments. Next, a medical officer measured their blood pressure and asked brief health-related questions to confirm that the individual was healthy and fit for blood donation. Once cleared, donors were assigned a serial number to be used to identify their blood products, and were ushered to one of the six blood donor chairs that were set up.

Once seated comfortably, a nurse administered local anaesthetic before inserting the needle used to draw blood into a special medical bag. Donors were given a small hand exercise ball to slowly roll throughout the sitting to help blood flow smoothly. Once blood collection was over, the needle was removed, and the donor was asked to firmly press the gauze on the wound to stop further blood flow. The donor was required to rest at their seat for about 10 minutes as immediate movement may cause nausea and lightheadedness. Refreshments of cakes and beverages were prepared, and they were also given a care pack with drinks and biscuits.

According to Josephine, a total of 63 individuals registered to donate blood, and 53 bags of blood were successfully collected. A single bag of blood can save up to three lives. Donated blood is crucial for patients with life-threatening conditions, such as certain cancers, kidney diseases, bleeding disorders, pregnancy and childbirth complications, and accident victims.

In Malaysia, at least 2,000 bags of blood are used each day, highlighting a crucial need for more regular blood donors. A healthy adult has an average of 4.5–5.5 litres of blood. In one blood donation, the volume collected is about 350–450 ml, less than 10% of an individual’s total blood volume. It is recommended that donors wait 2–3 months between donations to allow for adequate regeneration of new blood cells.

For Catholics, blood donation is a clear expression of the second greatest commandment: love your neighbour as yourself. By giving blood that another may live, one is imitating Christ, who gives us his very blood that we might live. Giving blood is not just a medical necessity but a profound pro-life act that all eligible Catholics should embrace.

The blood donation campaign was a successful initiative, providing a pleasant and fulfilling experience for donors, thanks to the attentive care of the hospital staff and volunteers. Josephine added that the Care Team plans to organise the campaign twice a year in the parish. Additionally, there are plans to organise medical camps, including health screenings, basic life support or cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, and organ donation drives.