Bombaybloodgroup.org has been bustling with activity in the last few months. It is the platform for the vibrant Bombay blood group community of our nation. Through rational use of blood, technology, networking and most importantly, timely and judicious blood donations, the community has been actively managing the numerous blood requests which it is getting from all over the globe.
The 3rd Bombay blood group meet was organized on the 7th of July, 2013 at NIMHANS, Bangalore. This meet became even more meaningful with people from Hyderabad and the family members of Bombay blood group individuals also participating. It started with an introduction round of all participants. This was followed by discussion on various topics of interest to the community.
Importance of being connected
There was a discussion on the importance of being connected. Donors as well as volunteers shared how being part of the group has led to better management of the blood. Regular Bombay blood group donors used to face difficult time when family members asked them to donate even when they were ineligible. Networking has made things better for them as they now refer the patients to the helpline.
Alternatives to allogenic transfusions
There was discussion on the possible alternatives that could and should be employed wherever possible to minimize blood transfusions. The donors were made aware of the use of erythropoietin (EPO), autologous donation, preoperative autologous blood donation etc. These techniques have in the past helped reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusions.
Optimal usage of blood units on shelf
Donors were shown how they can check if there is an available unit off the shelf in any blood bank across the country. They were advised to confirm if no units are available before they proceed to donate in order to optimally utilize each available unit.
Health and wellbeing
There was a discussion on how regular donors and people with rare groups should take care of their health. Iron supplements for regular donors and those with lower hemoglobin were discussed beside the dietary modifications which may help improve hemoglobin levels. Donors were also advised to ensure screening of all the family members even if they are likely never to donate. This helps in medical emergencies. With special care and attention it should be possible to keep the hemoglobin levels of elders and other non-donors high too. In case they meet with an emergency situation, with good hemoglobin it is less likely that they will need transfusions.
Cryo-preservation
There was a discussion on the possibility and the benefits of having some units of Bombay blood group cryo-preserved. Sankalp is working with Think Foundation and NIMHANS to try and get a few units of blood cryo-preserved.
Usage of Site
Donors were shown the various features of the BombayBloodGroup site to encourage them to build a better and stronger community.
Participants had lot of experience and ideas to share. They had a lot of queries which were answered by Dr Sundar Periyavan, Blood Bank Officer at NIMHANS. The outcome of this discussion was few action items which Sankalp Volunteers along with the Bombay blood group people and their family have to work upon. Few of them are:
- Getting Bombay blood group introduced as an option in forms under blood group section in Government records.
- Laboratories to be requested to introduce the facility of testing Bombay blood group also at least on request basis.
- Bombay blood group donors who maintain their profile on www.bombaybloodgroup.org should be reminded by mail/SMS when they turn eligible to donate blood.
- Some changes were proposed to www.bombaybloodgroup.org to make it even better.
- Plan to celebrate the National Blood Donor Day
Thought participation was less than what was expected but very rich discussion with participation from all made this worthwhile. This event was made possible only because of the ever supportive and encouraging help from Dr. Sundar and NIMHANS.
The month of July itself had 11 requests for 24 units of blood. To make available blood to each of these patients requires precise co-ordination and active involvement of donors, volunteers and the medicos. Regular meetings of the Bombay blood group community are enabling the effective management of the seemingly impossible task of ensuring adequate blood for everyone with this rare blood group.