Diversity makes the blood supply stronger

This post was written by Annie Ilnicki, MT(ASCP)SBB^CM, blood bank specialist, Parkview Health.

Many people are familiar with the major blood types: A, B, O and AB. But blood types are actually broken down much further. The ABO group is just one of nearly 50 blood group systems found on our red blood cells. Within those blood group systems is a world of diversity, all determined by our genes. For most people, the differences in our red blood cells don’t matter because most red blood cells function the same way. However, for individuals who receive frequent blood transfusions, those differences could be significant.

Every time you’re transfused with red blood cells that are even slightly different from yours, your body could make an antibody against the part of the red blood cell that’s unlike yours. Luckily, the chances of that happening are fairly low for people who need transfusions. When it does happen, scientists are able to determine what those antibodies are and find blood that’s a better match for you.

To find those matches, it’s important to have a diverse blood supply to pull from. That means we need blood donors from or with ancestors from all corners of the world. This is especially important for people who have sickle cell disease or Thalassemia. These conditions affect the red blood cell’s ability to deliver oxygen and are found in some people with ties to Africa, Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean. Because these people often need frequent blood transfusions, it makes sense to match them with donors whose ancestors come from the same areas when possible. Doing this not only helps eliminate antibody production but also reduces the time required to prepare blood products for transfusion.

Make a difference

No matter where you’re from, please consider becoming a blood donor. And take a friend! Not sure how to get started? Read this blog and contact your local donation center:

• American Red Cross
  260-484-9336  
  https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html

• Versiti
  317-916-5150  
  https://donateblood.versiti.org/

• South Bend Med Foundation
  574-234-1157
  https://donorportal.givebloodnow.com/donorportal/