OUUUCH

Here in lies the question. Oops, I did it again . . . and no I am not Britney Spears. I went out looking for a place to give blood. I want to be an every eight weeks donor. They are rare, or so I hear. To give blood, what is the big deal? I use to be afraid of giving blood, but now I am like well, it will just be a pinch and it will be over in a few, and hopefully some body will enjoy life for another day. Also I want to give, what I have. And blood I have at this time. I can not spare an arm of a leg, but blood is not a problem. What do you like to give?? Do you give your time to help those in need? Do you knit, and share your gift with others. That is for you my friend. Do you like to share your abundance, if so I could use some help with some student loans we can not get rid of. Ha ha, well, that would be a dream come true. What do you do to make a positive impact on your world?? I would love to hear from you. I am a crazy man for an audience. I love dialog. Have a wonderful day. . . Peace.




I did something I thought I would not be able to do again. I gave blood to the Red Cross. It was not as bad as I thought. Well, let me share my story with you. Once upon a time, long long ago - I gave blood on a regular basis to the Red Cross in India. It was no big deal, about every eight weeks or so I would stop by and make a pint donation. Then one time, while I was making a deposit, I passed out and a 90 year old lady caught me and rushed me over to a cot and brought me back to life. I was a little embarrassed. A a very healthy guy like myself passing out on an old lady. I have used that experience as a lame excuse to keep me from giving blood for the past 10 years. So today, I faced my fears head on. I gave a pint, and I feel good. I like to help others, even when I may never know who I help. What have you done today to help out your fellow man? Keep your eyes open for ways you can help, and remember your nearest neighbor is your Family.










Donate blood

my story

Its another long 6am – 9.40am day today at college today. Started with my dragging my feet into the lecture hall for a full morning of lectures, what else can I do but even think of donating blood at the end of the day? Held at the SP staff center, it was my 1st time donating blood. The NSS volunteers were very kind & courteus, they just simply can’t stop thanking us for donating, its like we are really doing something great or like “heros” duh!. But I guess that helped alot on in-flux of donors to the staff center.



I still have to go through the long screening & registration process (up to 2 hours before being poked) even donning my donor card. I can understand the requirement for compulsory health screening on visit, but filling up of particulars? don’t the NSS have past donor info on their databases? *

Donating was fast, with some interesting dramas happening around my immediate vincity during my period of “draining” - Some feld dizzy/propped legs up, looked like they rode cockscrew 20 times in a row, waited like 2hours to donate only to learn that they can’t donate after they can’t locate a vein… pity them. Donation was fast & smooth for me, I even got a niffy blue bandage, chatted with the SP red cross volunteers about offers & qualifications they provide as a first aider, anyway, later do I know that my SAF first aid & CPR license can be converted to a civilian one quite easily if I join them. Moreover, if I have a driving license, I can even be an ambulance driver, (so as they require too). Duh!


Took off my bandage only to see a small exit hole, surrounded by a 1cmX1cm light blueblack. I guess the most painful part of donating blood is not the needle, but the part when you have to pull the plasters off the wound without plucking any hairs off your arm!

I had a great fear of the needle even when I am writing this .so possibly the doctor had seen my uncomfortable nature and asked me to push off.

A life with Hemophilia in India

FAQ.clear your doubts but do donate blood

Frequently Asked questions.


Why should I become a blood donor?


Your blood donation helps local patients in our community. Since one out of three people will require blood in their lifetime at some point it could be someone you know - a family member, friend or neighbor.
What are the minimum requirements to become a blood donor?


To become a blood donor you must be 16 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and free of cold or flu symptoms.

How long does it take to donate?

A whole blood donation usually takes less than an hour and includes registration, a brief medical history, blood collection, and refreshments. The phlebotomy itself takes approximately 15 minutes. Expect to spend approximately 1 1/2 hours for an Apheresis collection.


Should I eat prior to blood donation?

Yes, it is recommended that you eat before donating. It is also a good idea to drink plenty of fluids before and after donating.
May I still donate if I have high blood pressure?

Yes, if your blood pressure is within certain limits. Check with one of our staff.

How often can I donate?
You can donate platelets every two weeks
You can donate plasma once every 4 weeks
You can donate whole blood once every 8 weeks
How long does it take my blood to reach a patient in need?

All blood donations are processed and available for use within 48 hours. Whole blood is separated into components: red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The red blood cells have a shelf-life of 42 days, platelets 5 days and plasma (when frozen) up to one year.

Why do blood shortages occur?

Shortages occur because only 5% of the population donates on a regular basis. During summer months and the winter holiday season this percentage drops. Please consider donating often to help patients in our community.

Facts about blood.be a genius in blood.

Facts About Blood Types


Blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) are inherited. The presence or absence of an Rh factor on the red blood cells is what makes your blood type positive or negative. Blood groups (A, B and O) and Rh types are descriptions of certain antigens found on red cells. People with type A blood have A antigens on their red blood cells and lack B antigens; people with type B blood have B antigens and lack A antigens; people with type AB blood have both antigens, and people with type O blood lack both A and B antigens.

In addition, blood is typed as either Rh-positive or Rh-negative, referring to the presence or absence of the Rh antigen, which is named for the fact that it was first discovered in the Rhesus monkey. Most people (about 85 percent) are Rh-positive, and that figure is even higher for African-Americans and Asians.
Out of 100 people, about:
38 will be O positive
7 will be O negative
34 will be A positive
6 will be A negative
8 will be B positive
2 will be B negative
4 will be AB positive
1 will be AB negative

Who Can Receive Whose Red Blood Cells:

O negative can use O negative only

O positive can use O positive or O negative

A negative can use A negative or O negative

A positive can use A positive, A negative, O positive or O negative

B negative can use B negative or O negative

B positive can use B positive, B negative, O positive or O negative

AB negative can use AB negative, A negative, B negative or O negative

AB positive can use All Blood Types

Notice that all blood types can receive O negative red blood cells. This is why O negative is used in emergencies when there is no time to determine the blood type of the patient. This is also why donors who are O negative are always in high demand.

Blood is composed of cells suspended in a liquid. These cells -- red cells, white cells and platelets -- account for 50% of the volume of blood. The remaining liquid portion is plasma.

Red cells are as important to life as breathing in and out. They transport oxygen throughout the body cells. The oxygen provides the fuel, or energy, for all the work your body does. Red cells need foods rich in iron, such as meat, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables and whole-grain bread to make them healthy. Red cells are produced in the bone marrow at a normal rate of about 17 million cells per second.

White cells, also known as leukocytes, are the protective cells in the blood stream. They attack bacteria by squeezing through capillary walls to reach the area of infection where they destroy bacteria. White blood cells are also made in the bone marrow and are produced at twice the rate of red blood cells.

Platelets are colorless cells or fragments produced in the bone marrow. They control bleeding by helping to form a blood clot. Platelets also assure that blood vessels stay "leakproof" in daily life by acting like an internal band-aid.
Plasma contains minerals, proteins, sugars and hormones and is the liquid through which all blood cells "swim".


Over 100 years ago, it was discovered that different people have different types of blood. The major types are 'O', 'A', 'B' and 'AB'.

For a blood donation to be helpful to a patient, there has to be a good match between the blood type of the donor and that of the patient receiving the blood. While receiving blood from someone of exactly the same type is fine, some types can happily mix with certain others, while others do not mix well. The common Type O can be given safely to patients with A, B or AB blood. But Type O patients can only receive blood from other Type O people.

Each major blood group is divided into Rh negative or positive types. On average, 45% of the population is Type O, 40% Type A, 10% Type B and 5% Type AB.



Donate blood

Blood group basics .O A B postive negative.

Blood group basics


OK, folks, this page requires your full attention as it's all about the complicated differences between everybody's blood types. I've tried to make this as simple as possible.

Here we go.

We all have these little marker things called antigens on the surface of our red blood cells.

These are so tiny they can't even be seen under a microscope.

Everyone's got different ones - blame your parents and grandparents for all that.

In fact, only identical twins will ever possess all the same antigens.

All that's very well and good, but when it comes to blood transfusions, there are two very important systems of antigens which need to be matched to avoid any nasty complications.




The ABO System

If you have blood group A then you've got A antigens covering your red cells.

Blood group B means you have B antigens, while group O has neither, and group AB has some of both.

The ABO system also contains lots of little antibodies in the plasma, antibodies being the body's natural defence against foreign antigens.

So blood group A has anti-B in their plasma, blood group B has anti-A (you probably get the picture at this stage).

To complicate matters though, group AB has none and group O has both of the antibodies.

Which means giving someone blood from the wrong ABO group could be fatal.

The anti-A antibodies in group B attack group A cells and vice versa.

Which is why group A blood must never be given to a group B person.

Group O negative is a different story.

The Rh system

Still with me?

Well, it gets more complicated here on in, because there's another antigen to be considered - the Rh antigen.

Some of us have it, some of us don't.

If it is present, the blood is RhD positive, if not it's RhD negative.

So, for example, some people in group A will have it, and will therefore be classed as A+ (or A positive).

While the ones that don't, are A- (or, wait for it...A negative).

And so it goes for groups B, AB and O.

This effectively doubles the number of different blood types to be matched, because you shouldn't mix blood type A+ with blood type A-.

84% of the population is Rh positive.

(And yes, that means the other 16% of the population is running around with Rh negative blood.)

Haemophilia India

How Blood is used

How blood is used



In this section I am going to take a look at all the different ways blood can be used, and just how important and worthwhile a fluid it is. And seeing as they usually split blood up into four separate components, we will too.

Whole blood

This is rarely used these days, only really in instances of severe blood loss. Instead it's almost always separated into its individual components.

Red cells

These are used in the treatment of all kinds of anaemia which can't be medically corrected, such as when rheumatoid arthritis or cancer is involved, when red cells break down in the newborn, and for sickle cell disease.

They're also essential to replace lost red cells after such things as accidents, surgery and after childbirth, not to mention pre-op 'top-ups' for existing anaemic patients and for burn victims.

Platelets

Bone marrow failure and post transplant and chemotherapy treatments, and leukaemia. These are all instances when platelets can be of huge benefit to the recipient.

Plasma

Fresh frozen plasma is used after obstetric loss of blood (which is usually childbirth), during cardiac surgery, and to reverse any anti-coagulant treatment.

It's also used to replace clotting factors after massive transfusions or when they're not being sufficiently produced, such as liver disease.

And then there's processed plasma.

Factor VIII is used in the treatment of haemophilia.

Factor IX is used for treating sufferers of Christmas disease, which might sound like a more pleasant illness than most, but is actually a life-threatening form of haemophilia. Processed plasma is also used to help produce stronger antibodies against diseases like tetanus, hepatitis, chickenpox and rabies.

It also helps generate anti-D which is used for Rh negative pregnant women carrying Rh positive babies. While the albumin contained in plasma is extremely beneficial for burn victims.

Want to know what the top 10 uses of blood are?

1 Straight in is General Surgery with a whopping 23%.

2 We have General Medical with 15%.

3 Cardiothoracic (that's heart and chest surgery to you and me) with 13%.

4 A figure of 11% puts Orthopaedics here - that's anything to do with bones and bone diseases.

5 Haematology (blood diseases) with 9%.

6 Accident & Emergency (what you see on "Casualty" every week) with 8%.

7 Joint No. 7 is Renal or anything to do with the kidneys with 6%, along with Neonatal & Paediatrics, which is the treatment of newborns and children.

8 Intensive Care with 4%.

9 Obstetrics & Gynaecology (anything to do with pregnancy and childbirth) weighing in with 3.5%


Why blood is vital even for the dying

Everyone knows blood is literally a lifesaver for those who’ve been in an accident or need it to help survive treatments and operations. But for some, whose illness has no cure and that last battle they face just can’t be won, a blood transfusion can help to improve their quality of life during their final months, weeks or even days.

Karen Clarke, a Community Nurse who gives transfusions to the terminally ill in their own homes, says, "These vital transfusions give patients a better quality of life. It gives them the energy and ability to enjoy this precious, final time with their families."

But this time is often a gift that only blood can provide. In some serious accidents, its use can mean that a critically ill patient can stay alive long enough for their loved ones to reach the hospital to see them, one last time. Priceless.


Donate blood

Blood transfusion.Is it safe

Blood transfusion.



Like all medical treatments, a blood transfusion should only be given if it is essential. Your doctor will balance the risk of you having a blood transfusion against the risk of not having one. Ask your doctor, nurse or midwife to explain why you might need a blood transfusion.


Why might I need a blood transfusion?
Most people can cope with losing a moderate amount of blood without needing a blood transfusion and this loss can easily be replaced with other fluids. Your body will make new red blood cells (essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body) over the following few weeks. However, if larger amounts of blood are lost, a blood transfusion may be the only way of replacing blood rapidly.


A blood transfusion may be needed to treat severe bleeding, for example during or after an operation, childbirth or in a major accident. A blood transfusion can also be used to treat severe anaemia (a lack of red blood cells).

Is a blood transfusion my only option?
Blood transfusion is only needed for a small number of patients having an operation. Sometimes it is possible to recycle your own blood during or after an operation. Ask if this is appropriate for you.

Certain medical conditions causing anaemia may be managed by treating the cause rather than by giving a blood transfusion.

If you are told that you might need a blood transfusion, you should ask why it is necessary and whether there are any alternative treatments. You do have the right to refuse a blood transfusion, but you need to fully understand the consequences of this before doing so.

Some medical treatments or operations cannot be safely carried out without a blood transfusion being given.

What can I do to reduce the need for a blood transfusion before an operation?
If you do not eat enough foods containing iron, you may have low iron levels. A varied and balanced diet should normally provide an adequate iron intake. Your blood count should be checked 6-8 weeks before your operation to see if you are anaemic. A shortage of iron can cause anaemia and correcting this in good time, before your operation, may reduce the need for a blood transfusion.

Some medicines, such as warfarin, aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of bleeding during your operation. Always check with your doctor to find out if you should stop taking these before your operation, and when you should restart them.

Are blood transfusions safe?
The biggest risk from receiving a blood transfusion is being given the wrong blood.

You must be correctly identified to make sure that you get the right blood transfusion. Wearing an identification band with your correct details is essential. You will be asked to state your full name and date of birth, and the details on your identification band will be checked before each bag of blood is given.

If you have previously been given a card which states that you need to have blood of a specific type, please show it as soon as possible to your doctor, nurse or midwife and ask them to tell the hospital transfusion laboratory.

Compared to other everyday risks the likelihood of getting an infection from a blood transfusion is very low. All blood donors are unpaid volunteers. They are very carefully selected and tested to make sure that the blood they donate is as safe as possible.

The risk of getting hepatitis from a blood transfusion is currently about 1 in 500,000 for hepatitis B and 1 in 30 million for hepatitis C. The chance of getting HIV or HTLV infection is about 1 in 5 million. Although the risk of getting variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) from a blood transfusion is probably low with a single blood transfusion, the risk of any infection will increase with additional blood transfusions. Each year, approximately 2 million units of blood are transfused in England and there have been just a handful of cases where patients are known to have become infected with vCJD from a blood transfusion.

How will my blood transfusion be given?
A blood transfusion is usually given through a tiny tube directly into a vein in the arm. Each bag of blood can take up to four hours, but can be safely given more quickly if needed. You may be given more than one bag of blood during your transfusion.

How will I feel during my blood transfusion?
Most people do not feel anything whilst receiving a blood transfusion.

You will be observed at regular intervals; if you begin to feel unwell during or shortly after your blood transfusion, you should inform a member of staff immediately.

Some people may develop a temperature, chills or a rash. These reactions are usually mild and are easily treated with paracetamol, or by slowing down the blood transfusion. Fortunately, severe reactions to blood are extremely rare. If they do occur, staff are trained to recognise and treat these.

What if I have worries about receiving a blood transfusion?
If you have any concerns you should discuss these with your doctor, nurse or midwife. Most hospitals have specialist staff working in blood transfusion and, if appropriate, they may be able to come and talk to you.

Blood transfusion

Amazing Stories PART 2:Are you Brave

Teresa

As a blood donor, Teresa knew how important it was to give blood. Following an operation, it was she who needed blood for an emergency blood transfusion. Today Teresa is back helping others through her job in a care home.





Doug

Doug had a major operation to have his heart valves replaced. Ten years later he was back, to have a full heart transplant. During both operations Doug received many units of blood. He is now the National Chairman of the Zipper Club, an organisation specially set up to help heart patients.






Emma

Emma has a beautiful baby daughter, Lauren. But on the day Lauren was born, Emma started haemorrhaging, then her kidneys failed. Emma was suffering from a rare condition that affects 1 in one million pregnant women. She needed plasma, blood and platelet transfusions to get her back home.






Diane

Diane Crawford has had Sickle Cell disease all of her life. She gave birth to a daughter, Chi, after receiving 19 units of blood during her pregnancy. "Blood donors gave me the chance to have a family," says Diane. "Now I want to play my part in encouraging more people from the African and Caribbean communities to help others like me by giving blood."





Shaun

Snooker is a passion for Shaun Williamson. So is his job, as an entertainer. He's particularly proud of his Laurel and Hardy routine. Shaun was diagnosed with bone cancer of the knee. Shaun has had numerous blood and platelet transfusions. "Blood donors are special people," says Shaun. He should know, because they've supported him all the way.






Tim

In December 1993, Tim Wood was diagnosed with leukaemia. He fought the disease and even went into remission for 10 months, but in May 1996 he relapsed. A bone marrow transplant had become critical. By the end of his treatment, Tim was estimated to have received more than 75 units of blood and 250 units of platelets, which equates to at least 1,000 donors.





Lloyd

After playing professional football, Lloyd Scott became a fireman. During routine checks, Lloyd was diagnosed with leukaemia. A bone marrow transplant followed, as did essential blood and platelet transfusions. Eleven months later, he ran the London Marathon, and has completed expeditions to the Sahara, and the North and South Poles, all because of blood donors.






Beth

At four months old, Beth Heaton was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called aplastic anaemia. While waiting for a vital bone marrow transplant, her survival depended on regular transfusions of blood and platelets. The eventual transplant was a success. This May, Beth will be two, and her condition has been cured, thanks to the support of so many blood donors.





Tony

Tony Peverett has played cricket all his life. In 1998 he was told he had cancer. During an operation to remove the tumour, Tony received four blood transfusions. Now recovered from cancer, he's playing cricket again. "Those transfusions gave me a new lease of life," he says. "To potential donors, I would say that giving blood is about ordinary people helping other ordinary people."



Mandy

Mandy Rhodes developed aplastic anaemia. Vital transfusions of blood and platelets helped save her life. Her husband Les, an existing blood donor, now also gives platelets, while her sister Angela has become a donor as well. Today, Mandy is healthy and able to enjoy her garden. Proof that the effort of every donor is invaluable.

Amazing Stories PART 1:Are you Brave

Amazing Stories :ARE YOU ONE OF THEM

Shamim

In 1997 Shamim was diagnosed with leukaemia. She needed large amounts of blood before receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant, donated by her brother. Shamim is now well and enjoying family life.

Cameron

8 year-old Cameron Small, from Grimsargh, needs transfusions as part of his treatment for Evans Syndrome, a rare blood disorder. He was amongst a group of young patients from the North West who launched the campaign to sign up cricket fans as donors alongside top Lancashire players.

Cameron's dad Andrew Small accompanied him to the event along with mum Diane Singleton. He said, "Cameron had a great day, but more importantly we helped raise awareness of just how important blood is. My son will continue to need blood so we are very grateful to anyone who takes the time to donate."

Brett

Brett needed emergency surgery after suffering a burst blood vessel in his throat. During the operation he received 12 life-saving units of blood. Brett is now fully recovered and living life to the full, thanks to blood donors.

Jack

Just before his 6th birthday, Jack was diagnosed with leukaemia. He had to have chemotherapy. But to survive the treatment he needed frequent blood and platelet transfusions. Jack is now fully recovered and enjoying his favourite hobby, karate, where he now has his second belt.

Sarajane

When she was 14, Sarajane was treated for Aplastic Anaemia. If that wasn’t bad enough, at the age of 20 she developed a rare bleeding condition and now needs blood transfusions every month just to stay alive. Sarajane is grateful to the many donors who have made her treatment possible.

Lekel

Lekel was only 6 months old when he was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. He needed a bone marrow transplant to survive and during his treatment he received many units of blood. Lekel is now progressing well and enjoying life at home, thanks to his transplant and blood donors.

David

David, a life long blood donor, was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the lymphatic system. Following blood, platelets and stem cell transfusions, David began the long process of recovery. He is so glad that the blood and platelets were there when he needed them.

Martin

Martin had an extensive tumour in a bone in his leg. He had to have the diseased bone replaced with donated bone, and received blood during the operation. Today, Martin is back at the work he loves on his farm.

Nicky

Nicky, a 29 year old electrician, sustained extensive burns to his hands and face when he was electrocuted with 11,000 volts.

His burns needed to be covered immediately, with donor skin to help the healing process begin and preserve as much of his own skin as possible.

Nicky say, "I cannot express the amount of gratitude I have for the families who made it possible for me to receive the donated skin, which has helped me to return to normal life."

Bone Marrow.Caution.

Bone marrow where blood begins life .



Bone marrow is the soft, jelly-like tissue that is found in the hollow centres of certain bones. It's the home of what are called 'stem cells' which are the building blocks of blood itself. These building blocks are: the red cells - which carry oxygen; the white cells - which fight infection, and the platelets - which stop bleeding. All these cells are produced by the stem cells and released into the blood stream via the veins and thin tissue surrounding the bone.



Without the bone marrow, blood can not be produced, so when things go wrong and the bone marrow becomes damaged, the patient must receive a stem cell transplant to survive.




Why do we need donors?

Bone marrow or stem cell transplants are necessary when the bone marrow becomes diseased or damaged so that it can't function normally.


Sometimes the damage to the bone marrow is a result of treatment for leukaemia or a related cancer of the blood. In order to destroy all the leukaemia cells it may be necessary to use treatment so strong that it completely destroys the bone marrow, in which case a bone-marrow or stem cell transplant must be given to restore blood cell production.



Without the stem cells to produce blood the patient will not survive. So you can see, when we say 'bone marrow saves lives' we really mean it.




Where do donors come from?



Sometimes an appropriate donor can be found within the patient's immediate family as it is more likely that their 'tissue type' will match. However, only 30% of donors are found this way, and this is when we rely on the British Bone Marrow Registry to find another suitable donor. And this is the reason we really need people like you who are prepared to help save a life.



It is your genes that determine your tissue type. But there are other factors that determine the probability of finding a compatible tissue typed donor for a patient. Some tissue types are more common in particular ethnic backgrounds. Therefore, in addition to matching a donor and patient's tissue type it's also important to match the ethnic background. By doing this, the transplant has a better chance of being successful.



BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT

B positive blood

B Positive Blood

People with blood type B are the most practical of the blood groups. They are specialists in what they do.

When they start a project, they spend extra time understanding and trying to follow directions than others might. When they are doing something, all of their attention is focused on it.

They tend to stick to a goal and follow it through to the end, even if it seems impossible. They tend to be less than cooperative, as they like to follow their own rules and their own ideas. They are individualists. B type people pay attention to their thoughts a little more than their feelings, and therefore can sometimes seem cold and serious.

People with blood type B are often considered more relaxed, freewheeling, and unconventional than other types, although not necessarily to an unacceptable degree. In anime, the genki, off-the-wall types are type B, along with any kind of well-intended character who's ruled by their impulses.

Donate blood

Leukaemia.please donate blood.

What is Leukaemia


Leukaemia is the name for a cancer where there is a malignant proliferation of stem cells within the bone marrow. Leukaemic blast cells suppress the normal formation of blood cells (haematopoiesis) within the bone marrow. This means that there are not enough of the normal red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood (pancytopaenia) of leukaemia patients. It is not known how the leukaemic cells prevent normal haematopoiesis, but the resultant pancytopaenia is responsible for the clinical manifestations of leukaemia.


Bone marrow is found inside most of the bones in the body. By adulthood, a large proportion of bone marrow has become relatively inactive. Generally speaking, it is the marrow inside the vertebra, ribs and pelvis, which are responsible for producing blood cells in adults. In times of crisis or when these areas of bone marrow are damaged, marrow activity may 'switch on' in the other bones.


The bone marrow is a collection of cells inside a connective tissue and fatty stroma. It is necessary to understand the different types of cell found within the bone marrow.


Stem cells are the ultimate origin of the other cells. Stem cells differentiate to form 3 main types of 'progenitor' cells. Each of these cells is then responsible to produce red cells, white cells and megakaryocytes (which produce platelets).


There are a number of proteins, which stimulate production of blood cells. These include erythropoietin (EPO), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte-CSF (G-CSF), interleukin 3, 5 and 6 (IL-3, IL-5, IL-6). Generally speaking, these proteins interact with receptors on the surface of the primitive bone marrow cells and stimulate them to produce adult cells.

Lymphoblasts are normal precursor cells in the bone marrow that differentiate to become mature lymphocytes.

Who gets it?

Leukaemia is the most common form of childhood malignancy and occurs primarily as a disease within younger patients. The peak incidence is in individuals aged 4 year olds. Less than 25% of cases occur in patients over 15, but there is a second peak in incidence associated with advancing age, with sex incidence being slightly male predominant.


Geographically, leukaemia is found worldwide. Leukaemia is more common in white than black populations. It is less common in Africa and the Middle East than in Europe and the United States.


Predisposing Factors


The causes of luekaemia are not known but several associations have been observed. There is a strong familial predisposition with siblings of affected children having a 4-fold increase in risk of leukaemia. There is a strong monozygotic twin concordance. Children with Down syndrome have a 15-fold increase in risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is also associated with Swachman, Kleinfelter and Bloom syndromes, as well as ataxia telengiectasia.


Environmental factors have also been associated with leukaemia. Maternal exposure to ionising radiation during pregnancy is associated with a 2-fold increase in risk in the foetus. Other possible maternal associations include increased maternal age, previous miscarriage, and high birth weight. Post-natal exposure to ionising radiation is associated with subsequent development of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Viral associations with childhood ALL have been postulated but not as yet proven.

The adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma is caused by infection with the Human T-cell Lymphoma Virus (HTLV-1) and is endemic in areas of Japan and the Caribbean.


Progression

This type of tumour spreads by expansion within the marrow space and the marrow of the bones in the body.


Probable Outcomes

More than 90% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia will achieve complete remission. Approximately 60% of individuals who achieve remission, will be alive at 5 years. In patients alive at 5 years, most will have been cured. A poorer prognosis is found in adult patients, in patients with T-cell ALL, or some forms of B-cell ALL. In patients with a chromosomal translocation, prognosis is poorer.

How is it diagnosed?

General investigations may show anaemia, a low white cell count or low platelet count.

How is it treated?

The aim of leukaemia treatment is to destroy the leukaemic cells as completely as possible. Complete remission occurs when the bone marrow returns to a normal balance of red cells, white cells and platelets with less than 5% of blasts.

Following induction, it is usual for patients to receive consolidative treatment sometimes followed by maintenance therapy.

Certain patients, notably younger patients, may benefit from bone marrow transplantation. A haematologist will be able to advise you as to the suitability of this treatment for you.

Improvement in leukaemia symptoms is an important measurement. Specific monitoring may be done by monitoring the level of blast cells in the peripheral blood. An accurate picture of what is happening in the bone marrow can be achieved by a bone marrow aspiration.

The leukaemia symptoms that may require attention are
infection
bleeding
anaemia

Anaemia may be treated by blood transfusion. Patients may require platelet transfusions. Bacterial infections due to low neutrophil counts usually require urgent treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Care should also be taken to treat more unusual infections such as candida (thrush) in the mouth.

Particularly during chemotherapy, the destruction of the leukaemic cells can produce large amounts of uric acid and prophylactic treatment with Allopurinol is mandatory.



Treatments used in this disease:
Radiotherapy
Bone Marrow Transplant
Bone Marrow Transplant


LEUKAMIA

Iron rich foods for blood donation.

Iron rich foods can fortify your blood

Iron rich foods can fortify your Blood, in a properly balanced diet, which can become weakened by a lack of foods rich in iron. Iron, the metal, is an element that is also a nutrient (trace) mineral that humans need to consume as a part of our everyday diet. Iron, in some form, is essential for good health. Below is a list of foods rich in iron, with some general nutritional guideline of iron content or dietary sources of iron in the foods that we eat. A small amount of iron in our Blood, about 200 milligrams (mg.) per pint of Blood in our systems, or 3 to 4 grams total in mature adults, is necessary to build hemoglobin.

Weight and Measures in Nutrition

Hemoglobin is the chemical substance in red Blood cells that captures and holds oxygen by circulating throughout the lining of our lungs, and then carries this oxygen throughout our entire bodies to every tissue. This fresh oxygen is then used to burn our internal fuel for energy, which is needed for proper cell growth and development and to provide fuel other important metabolic processes.Iron is also needed to produce myoglobin, the oxygen reservoir in the muscle cells and cytochromes, a class of iron-containing proteins important in cell respiration as catalysts of oxidation-reduction reactions.

As with every deliberate modification to our daily routines, Bloodindex.com always recommends a visit to your medical and/or dietary professional.

Intake of dietary iron is notoriously low especially in one to two year old children, and in women ages 12 to 50. Iron is often also quite low among athletes whose diets are full of carbohydrates while leaving out important iron-rich foods.

A deficiency of iron makes us tired and apathetic, a condition known as anemia. Anemia is characterized by low levels of hemoglobin causing oxygen starvation in your tissues. Though anemia is a common condition, do not try self-diagnosing it, or try self-prescribing dietary supplements, because the same symptoms that indicate anemia can also indicate other more serious diseases, such as bleeding ulcers or even cancer. A list of foods rich in iron are helpful.

If you are a woman of child-bearing age it is vital to prevent iron deficiency anemia, which increases the risk of complications during and after childbirth. This is done by eating foods rich in iron along with foods that are rich in vitamin C (fresh vegetables, etc.) and by avoiding iron inhibiting foods such as tea.

Are You Iron Deficient?

Lack of iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Women are most particularly at risk for iron deficiency. The average woman needs 18 mg iron a day. The average man needs 10 mg of iron in their diet every day. See daily iron rich foods details in the list below.

What are the Main Causes of Dietary Iron Deficiency?

1. Not eating enough iron rich foods. For example, those on restrictive diets and in some cases, vegetarians who do not eat enough of the proper foods.

2. Increased demand for iron, for example to replace Blood loss (e. g. from menstruation in some women) or in times of accelerated growth (such as during adolescence) or extreme and/or unusual physical activity or during and after an aggressive autologous Blood donation program.

Is All Dietary Iron the Same?

The are two different types of digestible iron in food:

1. hemo iron, found in red meat seafood and poultry, and

2. non-hemo iron found in breads, fruits, breakfast cereals, vegetable, legumes (e. g. baked beans), nuts and eggs.

Hemo iron foods are rich in iron and contain iron in a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Red meat also has a special effect on iron absorption. Red meat, when eaten together with the vegetables, can boost the absorption of non-hemo iron by up to 400%. Vitamin C has a similar positive effect on the absorption of iron.

In other words, the key to a healthy iron rich diet is to eat a combination of iron rich foods, high in both hemo and non-hemo iron.

Can We Get Too Much Iron?

A less common though often serious dietary iron problem, found more often in men, is caused by excessive absorption and retention of iron. Men who have this problem have an inherited genetic defect in their ability to regulate the absorption of iron into the body. The result of an iron overload condition can be fatal. This disease often goes undiagnosed because this iron overload condition shows up on a Blood test as low hemoglobin, just like iron depletion. Here is an example of a good reason to not self diagnose health problems. This condition is known as Hemochromatosis.

Normally, there is no great danger in ingesting a toxic amount of iron from food. Intakes of 25 to 75 mg. a day are not going to cause a problem in a healthy and active adult. Too much iron supplement, however, can be lethal and the younger the person who ingests the extreme dose of iron supplements, the higher the possibility of a lethal dose. Thousands of children are accidentally poisoned each year by swallowing too many iron tablets. In fact, iron is the most frequent cause of poisoning deaths among children in many countries.

Are You Eating Iron-rich Foods Every Day?

Since the average man needs to digest 10 mg. to 18 mg. of dietary iron every day and the average woman needs 18 or more mg. of dietary iron every day, it is easy to eat a lot of good food and not get enough iron. If you are not getting enough iron, the best way to increase your iron intake is by effecting a slight change in your eating habits. If you are unable to include more iron-rich food in your diet, it may be good to check with your physician about an iron supplement.

Can Eating Soy Cause Iron Deficiency?

A typical criticism of high soy vegetarian diets is based on concerns about anemia, a condition known to most doctors. The research on this condition is not particularly strong, but this potential iron deficiency-causing condition may be cause for concern. Dietary iron and serum ferritin levels (in healthy people, most iron is stored as ferritin, an estimated 70% in men and 80% in women) and smaller amounts, stored as hemosiderin, were measured in a group of Chinese vegetarian and non-vegetarian students. A major characteristic of the vegetarian diet was the replacement of meat by soyabeans products. Dietary iron was similar in both groups of men, but was significantly higher in female vegetarians than in non-vegetarians. However, the median plasma ferritin concentration was about 50% lower in the vegetarians of both sexes than in the non-vegetarians. Although the men did not show evidence of iron depletion, the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency were 30% and 50%, respectively, in these female vegetarians. These values were more than twice as high as those for the non-vegetarian women. We believe that, consumed to excess, soy has many potential anti-nutrient effects.

Exactly What Other Foods Rich in Iron Will Help Me the Most?

Eat more food containing Vitamin C. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron into your body. This is very helpful if you are a vegetarian. Vegetarians consume less iron because they obtain it from plant sources. Some plants contain chemicals that bind the iron rendering it more easily absorbed. You can also counteract this being eating foods high in calcium with it (calcium binds the chemicals, making iron more easily absorbed into the Blood) You can still obtain iron from vegetables. Foods such as beans, whole grains, spinach, and dried fruits have a significant amount of iron.

Red meat contains a significant amounts of iron. If fat is a reason that you do not eat red meat, try eating extra lean meat. Liver is an excellent source of iron.

Eat a lot of iron rich cereal. Many cereals are fortified with iron. Check the food label on the box and look for iron under the daily values.

You should also avoid drinking tea with your meals that are high in iron. Tea contains tannin that could inhibit the absorption of iron.

A good policy is to monitor what you eat. You must know exactly what your diet is, having a brief written food intake list, if you wish to enhance or improve it.

What Else Can I Do to Increase Iron in My Blood?

Again, if all else fails, take an iron supplement or a multivitamin with iron. Though vitamins could cause side effects such as constipation and nausea, the proper balance of iron is easily achieved, and the rewards for your efforts are great. You can alleviate most of the problems by consuming the iron supplement on a full stomach. In addition, make sure drink plenty of fluids and eat plenty of fiber rich vegetables.