Blood Donations in Canada

Flashcards based on the learning objectives related to blood donations in Canada, covering key concepts, processes, and safety measures associated with blood donation.

What are the main purposes of blood products in health care?

Blood products are essential for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, organ transplants, and childbirth.

What can contaminated blood transmit?

Contaminated blood can transmit deadly diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C.

What does the tainted blood scandal refer to?

Thousands of Canadians were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C through contaminated blood products in the 1980s-1990s.

What was the Krever Commission?

A federal inquiry led by Justice Horace Krever that investigated the tainted blood scandal and recommended reforms.

What independent organization was created in response to the tainted blood scandal?

Canadian Blood Services (CBS) was established in 1998 as a non-profit organization overseeing blood collection.

What are the responsibilities of Canadian Blood Services?

CBS collects, tests, and distributes blood, manages a stem cell registry, facilitates organ donation, and conducts research.

How does CBS ensure the safety of blood donations?

Through rigorous donor screening, testing, and quality control measures.

Who can donate blood in Canada?

Individuals aged 17+ (16 with parental consent in some provinces), weighing at least 50 kg (110 lbs), and in good health.

What is the minimum weight requirement for blood donors?

50 kg (110 lbs).

Can individuals with tattoos donate blood immediately?

No, individuals must wait 3 months after getting a tattoo unless it was done at a regulated facility.

What is the donation period for whole blood donations?

Donors can donate whole blood every 56 days.

What is plasmapheresis?

A process where only plasma is collected and the rest of the blood components are returned to the donor.

What is the maximum number of platelet donations allowed in a year?

24 times per year.

What is the average amount of blood collected during a whole blood donation?

Approximately 480 mL.

What are the key factors evaluated during donor screening?

Travel history, medical conditions, medications, and recent sexual activity.

What happens to donated blood after collection?

It undergoes testing for infectious diseases, is separated into components, and is stored under controlled conditions.

How long can packed red blood cells (PRBCs) be stored?

42 days.

What is the purpose of irradiating blood products?

To prevent Transfusion-Associated Graft-versus-Host Disease by inactivating white blood cells.

What is apheresis in blood donation?

A method where blood is drawn from a donor, and specific components (like platelets) are separated and collected while the rest are returned.

What is Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)?

Plasma that contains all clotting factors and is frozen to preserve its components.

What is the shelf life of Fresh Frozen Plasma?

1 year when stored at -18°C or colder.

Who is at risk of hemolytic reactions during transfusions?

Rh-negative patients receiving Rh-positive platelets due to residual red blood cells.

What is Cryoprecipitate?

A cold-insoluble portion of plasma that contains fibrinogen and clotting factors.

What is the average volume of a unit of pooled platelets?

317 mL.

How long can platelets be stored before use?

Up to 7 days at room temperature with constant agitation.

What is the main use of platelet transfusions?

To prevent or control bleeding in patients with low platelet counts or dysfunction.

What are the two main collection methods for platelets?

Pooled platelets from multiple donors and single-donor apheresis platelets.

What is the benefit of using apheresis platelets?

They can be HLA-matched for patients, reducing the risk of immune reactions.

What are the signs of mild reactions donors might experience after donation?

Dizziness, lightheadedness, bruising, fatigue, and slight nausea.

What is the risk associated with frequent blood donation?

Possible iron deficiency.

What are some of the infectious diseases tested for in donated blood?

HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, West Nile Virus, and Chagas Disease.

What happens if a unit of donated blood fails testing?

The unit is discarded, and the donor may be deferred from future donations.

What is the importance of blood preservation additives?

They prevent clotting and extend the shelf life of blood components.

What is the purpose of anticoagulants in blood collection?

To prevent clotting during storage and processing.

What defines indefinite deferral for blood donors?

Permanent ineligibility to donate due to safety concerns.

During which situation can a temporary deferral occur?

When a health issue poses a short-term risk to either the donor or the blood supply.

What should individuals do if they have taken illegal drugs with needles?

They may face permanent deferral from donating blood.

What regulations guide Canadian Blood Services in testing donated blood?

Strict Health Canada regulations and international safety standards.

What is the process for blood distribution to hospitals?

Blood products are shipped based on hospital needs and monitored for temperature control.

How does CBS ensure an adequate supply of blood to hospitals?

Through regular forecasting and managing inventory based on historical usage.

How are emergency requests for blood products handled?

Emergency shipments can be arranged using air transport or couriers.

What is a common misconception about plasma transfusion compatibility?

Unlike red cells, plasma transfusion follows reverse ABO compatibility rules.

What does the term 'voluntary donor' imply?

The individual donates blood without receiving payment.

In what situations is plasma primarily used?

Massive hemorrhage, liver disease, and certain coagulation disorders.

What is the function of immunoglobulins in plasma-derived therapeutics?

Used for immune deficiencies and various neurological and autoimmune conditions.

What is the significance of leukoreduction in blood products?

It minimizes the risk of transfusion reactions related to white blood cells.

What is the main advantage of using cryoprecipitate?

It is rich in clotting factors essential for managing bleeding.

For which medical conditions is Fresh Frozen Plasma typically used?

Massive hemorrhage, liver failure, and coagulation issues.

What key role does Cryo play in the treatment of hemophilia?

Cryoprecipitate provides essential factors needed for clotting.

Why is it important for hospitals to maintain a sufficient inventory of blood products?

To ensure availability for emergency and routine patient care.

What happens if patients require HLA-matched platelets?

Apheresis platelets are preferred to minimize immune reactions.

What is the impact of proper storage on donated blood?

Proper storage prevents bacterial growth and ensures blood integrity.

Why is monitoring conditions of blood storage critical?

To maintain the safety and viability of transfusion products.

What role does community outreach play in blood donation?

Encourages potential donors to register and donate blood.

What identifies a blood donor’s eligibility on donation day?

A health screening questionnaire and hemoglobin level test.

What should blood donors do immediately after donation?

Rest and have a snack/drink to recover.

What additional steps are taken if a blood donation is found to be contaminated?

The unit is discarded, and the donor is notified.

In what scenario are emergency blood supplies transported via air?

For critically injured patients requiring immediate transfusions.

How do blood services assess compatibility during transfusions?

Crossmatching blood types and checking for allergies.

What is the role of Canadian Blood Services in organ donation?

Manage the Canadian Transplant Registry to facilitate organ transplants.

What fraction of patients benefit from a single blood donation?

One blood donation can save up to 3 lives.

What must hospitals do with blood products upon arrival?

Inspect for temperature, labeling, and expiration date compliance.

What is the primary goal of Canadian Blood Services (CBS)?

To ensure a safe, reliable, and accessible blood supply for patients.

How does CBS ensure donor awareness of their health post-donation?

By encouraging donors to report any symptoms or concerns after donation.

What alternative methods can be used for transfusion reactions?

Use alternative treatments instead of immediate transfusion when feasible.

What factors are considered when distributing blood to hospitals?

Hospital needs, urgency, and type of blood components required.

What procedures should be followed for blood storage during transportation?

Maintain temperature control and ensure safe conditions for the blood products.

What critical function does the Krever Commission serve in the history of Canadian blood donation?

It recommended reforms to improve blood safety after the tainted blood scandal.

What are the criteria for determining blood donation eligibility related to travel?

Travel to malaria-endemic regions may necessitate a waiting period.

Why is ongoing safety considered paramount in blood donation?

To prevent transmission of diseases through contaminated donation.

How are emergency blood requests prioritized during crises?

Through streamlined processes to ensure timely delivery for emergency situations.

What is the relationship between blood type and plasma transfusion compatibility?

Plasma transfusion follows the reverse ABO compatibility rule.

What precautions do blood banks take to ensure patient safety during transfusions?

Compatibility testing, rechecking labels, and monitoring transfusion reactions.

What defines a successful blood donation campaign?

Increased community awareness and participation in blood donation efforts.

Why is it important for blood donors to keep track of their health after donations?

To ensure any complications or reactions are monitored and reported.

What are the components that can be derived from whole blood?

Packed red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

What health care situations require the use of platelets from donors?

Cancer treatments, massive blood loss, and platelet dysfunction disorders.

What will happen if the blood unit is not used within the storage period?

It must be safely discarded to maintain health safety standards.

What is critical for maintaining the safety and effectiveness of blood products?

Strict adherence to storage, testing, and shipping protocols.

What is recommended for individuals who frequently donate blood?

To maintain a diet rich in iron.

How does the blood testing process help safeguard recipients?

By identifying and removing potentially contaminated units from circulation.

What measures are taken during the emergency blood supply process?

Air transport and special handling of rare blood type requests.

How do platelets differ from red blood cells in terms of transfusion?

Platelets are primarily used to manage bleeding; red cells restore oxygen.

What is the importance of public education in blood donation?

To enhance awareness of the need for blood donations and address misconceptions.

What defines the relationship between donor's blood type and transfusion compatibility for platelets?

Platelets do not have strong Rh antigens but should be matched for better outcomes.

What specific conditions call for the use of cryoprecipitate?

Bleeding disorders requiring high fibrinogen levels.

What is the procedure for thawing Fresh Frozen Plasma before transfusion?

Use a water bath to thaw the plasma quickly while preserving clotting factors.

How does plasma-derived product fractionation improve patient safety?

It isolates specific proteins and ensures pathogen reduction methods are applied.

What ongoing challenges do blood services face?

Meeting donor supply needs while ensuring blood product safety and effectiveness.