Recently, the amount of donated blood is insufficient due to the decrease in the number of young people who can donate blood and the prolonged COVID-19 crisis. Since the current number of blood donors is small compared to the normal number of blood donors, active participation in blood donation is needed. In order to convey accurate information about blood donation and overcome the underlying fear of blood donation, a CBT reporter met Ko Hye-jung, director of nursing at CBNU Center at the Blood Donation Center. Also, through this article, the CBT reporter hopes that students at CBNU will visit the blood donation center on campus more regularly.

  Blood donation is largely divided into “whole blood donation” and “component blood donation.” Among the component blood donations, there are plasma and platelet blood donation, so by type, it is classified into three blood donation methods: whole blood, plasma, and platelets. The way people donate blood varies a lot, but I think whole blood is the most basic and common donation. 

  The blood we need the most is whole blood and platelets. The reason is that blood is classified into two categories: blood for transfusion and blood for non-transfusion. Blood for transfusion is used for direct transfer to the patient, and the other blood is used to produce medicine. At this time, whole blood and platelets are blood for transfusion, and plasma is used to produce medicine. The most important reason for blood transfusion is that it needs to be self-sufficient. The “blood shortage” situation discussed in the media is mainly due to the lack of whole blood and platelets. Therefore, when considering the priority of blood, I think the blood donation we need the most is whole blood and platelets, and plasma is next.

  We don’t store blood separately. Blood must be sanctioned or separated for an appropriate time at the appropriate temperature, so blood is collected twice a day at the Chungbuk Blood Center. Blood collected by blood donation is divided into blood stored at 24 degrees, blood stored at 4 degrees, and frozen blood after sanctions or separation at the Chungbuk Blood Center.

  The conditions for donating blood are harder than it looks. Those who have done health checkups themselves will know, there are 11 detailed standards set by the Blood Management Act, including age, weight, disease, and medicine to take. In order to pass these many standards, you have to be a healthy person first. Therefore, the best thing about blood donation is that you can be assured that you are healthy. Also, blood cannot be used artificially or imported. It would be good to think of blood donation as a volunteer activity that you can do for others when you are healthy. At the same time, it would be better if you consider the incentives you receive if you donate blood as incidental.

  I know that students need volunteer activities as school credits. There is the huge advantage that a single blood donation counts as four hours of volunteer work. Also, I hope we can live by helping each other, thinking that I can help others because I am healthy. 

  To address the concerns of students who have never donated blood before, the CBT reporter interviewed a student who often donates blood to hear more about the experience and thoughts of donating blood.

  Jeong Yu-na (Dept. of Environmental engineering, 21)

  I donate blood three to five times a year, and the whole blood donation cycle is two months, so I usually do it when I have a chance. The biggest reason for donating blood is that it can directly help people who need it. Also, there is no difficulty in donating blood, so I am doing it regularly.

  It helps that I’m not afraid of needles. The moment a needle is put into my arm it stings a little, but there is no pain after that. If you’re afraid of needles, donating blood can be difficult, but if not, I think it’s okay to try it at least once. Also, my anemia level is a little lower than normal, so I tend to be careful of my condition on the day of blood donation. If you usually have anemia symptoms, it’s better to avoid blood donation, but if you don’t have anemia, you won’t feel dizzy after donating. This is because you check your anemia level before donating blood. Lastly, I think bacterial infection is simply not something to worry about, because sterile instruments are used for both blood collectors and blood transfusions when donating blood.

  When I donated blood for the first time, I was nervous and worried. However, as I began to get used to donating blood, it was easier than I thought, and I felt proud after donating blood. If you are thinking about donating blood for the first time, please feel free to visit the blood donation center!