By Dr Sandeep Patil, Chief Intensivist & Physician, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan
Most individuals who wish to donate blood at this time. And COVID-19 recovered patients worry if donating blood can increase their risk of contracting the virus.
Blood donation is a great act of kindness that can help save lives. However, during the pandemic, with the healthcare systems already stressed, blood donation became very difficult to manage. This led to a shortage of blood units at blood banks across the country. While social distancing and staying at home are extremely important to slow down the spread of the virus.
It is also important to respond to the societal call of duty when there is a need. However, people who want to donate blood and help, have a lot of questions. If they have been patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Many questions related to whether or not they can donate blood or if it will cause any complications for the donor as well as the receiver, crop up.
For other healthy individuals, they are concerned if blood donation can put them at a high risk of contracting the virus in any way.
CAN YOU CONTRACT COVID-19 WHILE DONATING BLOOD?
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Blood donation or blood transfusion processes does not put you at a high risk of contracting COVID-19. As it is known that most respiratory viruses cannot be transmitted by donation or transfusion.
CAN FORMER COVID-19 PATIENTS DONATE BLOOD?
Some individuals may have a cough or a reduced sense of smell or taste. For some weeks after resolution of their coronavirus infection, but they can be considered as recovered for the purposes of blood. And component donation.
WHEN CAN COVID-19 RECOVERED PATIENT DONATE BLOOD?
– If the donor had Coronavirus symptoms, has tested positive for the presence of Coronavirus and it is at least 28 days from resolution of symptoms. A subsequent negative test for the presence of Coronavirus does not shorten this 28-day deferral
– The donor had Coronavirus symptoms but tested negative for the presence of Coronavirus and it is at least 14 days from resolution of symptoms
– If the donor had Coronavirus symptoms and has not been tested for the presence of Coronavirus, or has been tested but is not aware of the result, when it is at least 28 days from resolution of symptoms
– The donor has tested positive for the presence of Coronavirus but has not had symptoms of Coronavirus infection, and it is at least 28 days from the date of their last positive test. A subsequent negative test for the presence of Coronavirus does not shorten this 28-day deferral, even in this case.
However, one must note that these are Joint United Kingdom (UK) Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee’s guidelines. According to the guidelines in India, a COVID-19 patient can only donate after the 28-day deferral, or after full recovery. It is best that you speak to your doctor if in doubt.
EXCLUSION OF AT-RISK DONORS TO MAINTAIN SAFETY:
Confirmed case – RT PCR positive irrespective of signs and symptoms
Contact History – Individuals should be deferred from donating blood for 28 days with the last possible close contact exposure to a person who is confirmed/suspected case of COVID-19 including those under quarantine.
People having travel history – individuals should be deferred from donating blood for 28 days. After the date of departure from a country with COVID-19 transmission in the community and area as notified by Ministry of Health.
