During the sacred month of Ramadan, the Central Blood Bank in Muscat requires over 2,700 blood and 260 platelet donors to fulfill the blood and its components requirements for patients.
It is worth mentioning that there has been a significant drop in the number of donors during the holy month of Ramadan, with only 308 blood donors and 24 platelet donors.
Blood donation hours during Ramadan at the Central Blood Bank in Bausher are from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm and from 8 am to 12:30 pm (Sunday - Thursday). The final time to donate platelets is 10:30 pm.
Why donate platelets?
The Central Blood Bank requires 10 platelet donors every day to meet the ongoing demand for saving the lives of numerous patients and individuals injured in accidents, burns, major surgeries like open heart procedures, organ transplants such as bone marrow or liver transplants, cases of excessive bleeding, women in labor, premature newborns, and patients with platelet deficiencies.
Platelets are also crucial in the care of cancer patients, particularly those receiving chemotherapy, who require regular platelet transfusions during their treatment regimen.
What is platelet donation?
A unique method of blood donation involves the utilization of a specialized device to extract blood cells. The device effectively separates the platelets from the other constituents of the blood, which are then collected in designated bags. This process typically takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
There are specific conditions that must be met in order to be eligible for platelet donation. Firstly, the donor must be in good overall health. Additionally, the donor's weight must exceed 50 kg, and their hemoglobin level should be within the normal range. Furthermore, the donor's age must fall between 18 and 60 years. Lastly, the donor must have previously donated blood at least twice within the past two years, without experiencing any complications such as dizziness or fainting during or after the donation process.
It has been over a month since the previous blood donation took place.
He should have refrained from consuming aspirin or any other painkillers.
Medications containing aspirin should not have been taken within the last 10 days.
Platelet donations can be made every 15 days.
