A guide to organizing a voluntary blood donation camp

Introduction: Human blood is an essential element of human life with no substitute. Voluntary blood donors are the cornerstone of a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products. The safest blood donors are voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations. Blood donors in India, as across the globe, are of three types; voluntary donors, replacement donors and professional donors. Most donations are as a result of replacement donations, which are non-remunerated donations, provided by the relatives of patients. Professional donors are those who donate blood in exchange for money. Replacement and professional donors may be compelled to donate blood, though their health conditions are unsuitable to donate blood. They do not help maintaining a stock of blood for emergency situations. Moreover, they do not provide rare blood groups. These points are indicating the need and importance of voluntary blood donations. The success of blood donation camp depends on people who organize the camp and blood bank team. Aim: The aim of this report is to discuss about the importance of voluntary blood donation and to guide the camp organizer, medical officer, and also other team members involving in voluntary blood donation camp to organize the camp efficiently. Discussion: The purpose of blood donation camp is to select a suitable donor whose blood is safe to the recipients and who himself shall not in any way be harmed by blood donation. Outdoor voluntary blood donation camps in India are organized in three phases. They are pre-camp phase, camp phase, post-camp phase. Conducting voluntary blood donation camp in regular basis will increase the stock of blood units in blood bank which is needed for optimum functioning of the health-care system. Conclusion: The organization of blood donation camp should be best and safe to the patient/recipients and to the blood donor also. With increase in population and development of more advanced medical and surgical procedures, the need for blood is ever increasing. Only voluntary blood donors can help to maintain an adequate supply of blood to save the lives of those who in need. They are the source of safe blood also.