Blood Bank Notes Unit - 1

UNIT -1
What is Blood bank ?
A blood bank is a centre where blood gathered as a result of blood donation is stored and
preserved for later use in blood transfusion. The term "blood bank" typically refers to a
division of a hospital where the storage of blood product occurs and where proper testing is
performed (to reduce the risk of transfusion related adverse events). However, it sometimes
refers to a collection centre, and some hospitals also perform collection. Blood banking
includes tasks related to blood collection, processing, testing, separation, and storage.
Blood Bank – History
The first blood bank in the United States was established in 1937 by Dr. Bernard Fantuz at
Cook County Hospital in Chicago. At the time, it was not possible to store blood for more
than a few days. Most transfusions were person-to-person, a dangerous process which made
it hard to find donors.
Hoping to solve this problem, Dr. Fantuz began experimenting with ways to safely store
blood. Initially called the Blood Preservation Laboratory, he changed the name to “blood
bank” which was less likely to scare away potential donors. The ability to collect and store
blood for an extended period of time revolutionized how doctors treated patients. Donating
blood was no longer a high-risk process and patients in need had access to blood they
needed for survival.
Over the years, blood banking has helped save countless lives. Today, about 13.6 million
units of blood are donated per year. About 36,000 units of blood are needed each day.
What Happens to Blood in a Blood Bank?
The first step in the blood banking process is collection. Most blood banks rely on volunteer
blood donors. During a typical blood donation, about 2 to 3 ml of blood is collected, along
with a few small tubes for testing. The tubes and donation are labeled with donor
information and sent off for processing and testing.
Next, the donated blood is taken to the processing centre. Whole blood is usually
centrifuged, which separates it into its many components that patients may need:
I. red blood cells

II. platelets
III. plasma
White blood cells are removed from the blood to minimize the chance of a reaction in the
recipient.
While the donation is being processed, the blood test tubes are sent out for screening. This
includes testing for diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and West Nile Virus. If
any of the tests are positive, the donor will be notified and the blood will not be used.
During the testing stage, the blood is also typed for ABO groups and Rh factor.
Once the blood is screened and processed, it is stored up to 42 days or until it is needed. A
blood bank ensures that hospitals have a safe, reliable blood supply for patients in need.
BLOOD GROUPING
Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian scientist discovered the ABO blood group system in the
year 1900.
In his experiments, he mixed different blood types and noted that the plasma from certain
blood type produced agglutinates or formed clusters which were caused by the absence of
molecules on red blood cells and resulting in antibodies to defeat that molecule.
He then made a note of the agglutination and divided the blood types into 4 different groups.
For the discovery of ABO blood group, he was awarded the Nobel Prize.
The blood grouping system is pivotal in blood transfusion. Our immune system recognizes
another blood type as foreign and attacks it if introduced in the body causing a transfusion
reaction. Any inappropriate match with the Rh and ABO blood types, causes the most
serious and life-threatening transfusion reactions. Therefore, before blood transfusion, it is
suggested to have a blood group checked.
ABO BLOOD GROUP SYSTEM
The basis of ABO grouping is of two antigens-
1. Antigen A
2. Antigen B.
The ABO grouping system is classified into four types based on the presence or absence of
antigens on the red blood cells surface and plasma antibodies.
There are four major blood groups determined by the presence or absence of two antigens,
A and B, on the surface of red blood cells.
In addition to the A and B antigens, there is a protein called the Rh factor, which can be
either present (+) or absent (–), creating the 8 most common blood types.

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UNIT -1

What is Blood bank ?

Blood Bank – History

I. red blood cells

ABO BLOOD GROUP SYSTEM

The basis of ABO grouping is of two antigens-

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