by Gloria Rodríguez
Ninety-three pints of blood were donated at a TC blood drive Nov. 11. It was all transferred to the United Blood Services.
This was the second blood drive held this year at TC’s Pinkerton Center. One cannot just walk-in and donate blood, according to Chairman Don McIntosh, there are requirements that must be met. For instance, a student must be 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 lbs. A medical history form must be filled out, vital signs (blood pressure) which cannot be over 180/100 or less than 90/50 must be checked. The student must also be checked to make sure that giving a pint of blood will not make him anemic.
If a student qualifies for donating blood, a technician will clean the skin on the arm with an antiseptic and then will use a new, sterile needle to take one pint of blood a vein in the arm, at that time the needle will be discarded.
After donating, the blood is tested. “When testing a sample of your blood, we will check on what type of blood you have, and we will do tests for hepatitis, syphilis and the HIV (AIDS) antibody,” Marla Doherty, phlebotomist, said. These tests are required by the FDA and are performed to protect patients who receive blood.
If one is rejected it is probably because of not weighing enough or the iron supply is not adequate.
Anyone desiring more information or desiring to donate blood should stop by the United Blood Services, 1321 College Dr. or call (214) 792-8211.