Español
Blood is a vital resource in medical and surgical care. Blood transfusions help save lives in emergency situations, such as traffic accidents, complex surgeries, complications during childbirth, and in the treatment of patients with cancer, severe anaemias, and various chronic diseases. Without an adequate blood supply, many critical medical procedures would not be possible.
We can also donate blood for other purposes, such as research and validation of medical devices in vitro type D that contribute to improving the health of all European citizens. In our case, we have the CQS Biobank: a non-profit initiative that receives and stores biological samples of human origin, in our case obtained through altruistic donation from healthy people or people with different pathologies.
Biobanks include all blood banks and tissue banks for therapeutic purposes, research biobanks and any healthcare facility dedicated to the collection, handling, preservation and transfer of human biological samples to researchers.
Blood donation in Spain
In Spain, blood donation is a highly valued and necessary practice. According to recent data from the Ministry of Health and the Spanish Federation of Blood Donors (FEDSANG), around 1.7 million blood donations were made in the country in 2022. Despite this encouraging number, there is always a constant need for donations due to the short shelf life of blood components: red blood cells are stored for up to 42 days, platelets for only 5 days and plasma for up to a year.
Some relevant data:
– Donation frequency: in Spain, women can donate blood up to 3 times a year and men up to 4 times.
– Habitual donors: approximately 2% of the Spanish population are regular blood donors.
– Basic requirements: to donate blood, you must be between 18 and 65 years old, weigh more than 50 kg and be in good health.
Despite continued efforts and the commitment of current donors, the demand for blood in Spain remains high. It is estimated that around 1,000 donations are needed every day to cover the country’s hospital needs. In addition, with the ageing of the population, the demand for transfusions and blood products is increasing.
How you can help
If you are considering becoming a blood donor, here are some ways you can help:
- Regular donation: consider donating blood regularly. Each donation can save up to three lives.
- Participate in campaigns: join and support blood donation campaigns organised by hospitals, health centres and non-governmental organisations.
- Education and Awareness: educate your community about the importance of blood donation and encourage friends and family to donate.
Because donating blood not only benefits the recipients, but also the donors:
– Health check: Each donation includes a short health check and blood test that can help detect possible health problems.
– Blood renewal: donation stimulates the production of new blood cells.
– Personal satisfaction: the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped save lives is unparalleled.
World Blood Donor Day is an opportunity to recognise all blood donors and highlight the importance of regular blood donation. In a country like Spain, where the need for blood is constant and growing, every donation counts. If you are not already a donor, consider joining this noble cause and help save lives. Your blood is life!
If you want to contribute to the research and validation of in vitro type D that contribute to improving the health of all European citizens, share your blood with our Biobank. For more information on how to do this, visit https://www.cqssalud.com/biobanco/ join the cause today.
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the health of our community!