The Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa honored more than 67 blood platelets donors. Many of the honorees donated more than 23 times in one year - a great achievement to the hospital. This celebration was held for the third consecutive year and it is the first time some donors reached the cutoff limit of 24 times a year.
Dr. Ahmad Al Arfaj, the Regional Executive Director of National Guard Health Affairs - Eastern Region said that honoring the donors is our duty as they contributed to the success of blood donation programs in our hospital.
While Deputy Regional Executive Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Ali Al Garni assured that the hospital does not suffer from shortage in blood. He said, “Donors are the most important factor in this achievement." Donors in King Abdulaziz Hospital varied from doctors, nurses, technicians, staff, citizens and National Guard employees.
Moreover, Blood Donation Center has a comprehensive donor database. The database prepares statistics and studies for the project which noted an increase in the donor numbers which reflects the success of this project.
Recent medical studies have shown that blood donation has benefits to donors in getting rid of excessive iron. This is beneficial as excessive iron level could increase the risk of heart disease and the damage of small arteries Due to the acceleration of cholesterol oxidation.
Also, studies have shown that if a person donates once a year, they will be less at risk of blood circulation diseases and Leukemia. Moreover, it stimulates bone marrow which forms blood cells.
Moreover, new blood cells are more active in transferring oxygen to body organs which increases activity and vitality. It should be noted that the average life cycle of a red blood cell is 120 days; with donors, however, it is 20 days after donation which is six times faster.
Mr. Ibrahim Al-Shahrani, Operations Administrator in Laboratory Services - Al-Ahsa, said that in the near future there will be an integrated blood donation building which will carryout all types of blood donation. Additionally, they will operate a five room vehicle for mobile donation.