THE National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) is in dire need of blood to satisfy the ever growing demand for this “lifesaving” product.

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.

According to a statement from the NBTS, “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.”

The release advises that 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, the release says, and requires the following steps: Registration of donor; mini health check comprising: 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 will follow, the release said, 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 is where a unit (less than a pint) of blood will be taken and refreshment given the donor.

The entire blood donation process takes 20 minutes, the release said. A person who fits the criteria can donate blood every two months, the release said, as blood donation allows the body to produce new red blood cells which carries 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 is appealing to all voluntary donors and new donors to “give a pint” at any one of the blood donation facilities at New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Suddie or Linden hospitals, or one of their mobile units. The NBTS is notifying the public that its facilities will be open from 08:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 9:00hrs to 15:00hrs.