WHO NEEDS YOUR BLOOD DONATION?
There are many reasons why someone might need a blood transfusion. One of the main uses of blood is for people who require major and emergency surgeries, to quickly replace the blood they have already lost or may lose during surgery. Accidents happen, and when they do, some people might require multiple blood transfusions to save their life. Another example of where women may need a blood transfusion is when they give birth. This is typically to treat the blood loss they experience, whether that be after a C-section or a complication.
Approximately two-thirds of blood donations are used to treat existing medical conditions such as anaemia, cancer, and blood disorders. You can learn more about how your blood donation is used to help people living with these conditions below:
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BLOOD CANCER
Blood cancer is the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK. Around 40,000 people are diagnosed with blood cancer every year, and there are currently approximately 250,000 people living with blood cancer in the UK. People living with blood cancer may regularly require blood transfusions to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
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SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA
Approximately 12,500-15,000 people are living with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in the UK, making it the most common inherited blood disorder. Some people with SCA are given blood transfusions every 4-6 weeks to increase the number of normal, healthy RBCs in their blood to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
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BLOOD DISORDERS
People living with blood disorders may require blood transfusions to improve the blood's ability to clot and stop bleeding after injuries. For people living with blood disorders, the need for a transfusion may come at a critical time, such as when trying to stop a bleed before it becomes fatal.