Donated blood how safe is it?

Australian Red Cross Blood services have very stringent guidelines that are followed for prospective volunteer blood donors. The many rules and regulations put in place are to ensure safe blood for those that require it.

Blood Donors must be aged between 16 and 70 years in most states and Territories of Australia, in Tasmania and NT they must be 18 to 70 years.

Personal interviews and detailed questionares about the donors health, previous and current health conditions are completed everytime a volunteer blood donor donates. Volunteer donors can only donate if they meet these guidlines.

If the blood donors meet these guidelines their blood sample is then tested for the following, HIV, hepatitis, syphilis and other serious communicable diseases.

For Further information on donating blood please click on the following link Australian Red Cross Blood Services

Why Blood Transfusions-What is all about?

In the 21st Century blood transfusions are considered to be a safe life saving procedures for those that require it. Blood transfusions are used to stabilise a condition or to save the lives of those who have be in an accident or need surgery.

People with cancer, haemophillia, leukaemia, sickle cell, thalassaemia, Diamond Blackfan and other related disorders also require blood transfusions. It is estimated that more than one million donations of blood are required every year in Australia to maintain blood supplies.

Whole blood is rarely used except in cases of sudden and severe blood loss. Whole blood is seperated into individual components and used for different purposes.

RED CELLS are required for treating anaemias that can't be helped by other medical treatments and for giving 'top ups' to people after surgery or childbirth.

PLATELETS are given to people with cancer and luekaemia after they have had chemo or a bone marrow transplant.

PLASMA is given to people whose blood doesn't clot properly, such as can occur if someone has had anticoagulan treatment or suffers from liver disease or haemophilia.

Carer's Payment the facts, your rights!

I was reading an interesting article today in the "Sydney Morning Herald by Belinda Kontominas dated October 13, 2006", about a young couple and their very sick child diagnosed with cancer. The family recieves a Carers allowance and rental assistance each fortnight but also applied for a means tested carers payment only to be rejected from Centerlink because their child "was not sick enough". It seems that the medical condition of the child was not severe enough to be eligible for this payment. This is not a rare case. It is important to be informed following are some useful links.

So, What is the criteria? What are the facts? Following are some useful links about Centerlink Carers allowance and Carers payment .

Centerlink
National Welfare Rights Network

Knowledge is empowering!

Exjade (Deferasirox) is on its way!

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has approved the oral iron chelator Exjade (deferasirox) to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits scheme. Those that are blood transfusion dependant this is a huge step foward in the their treatment regime. For further information click on the following link July 2006 PBAC Outcomes- Positive Recommendations.

Although listed, further steps are to be undertaken which include pricing and approval by the Federal Minister of Health and Ageing.

More information on Exjade (deferasirox)

What is HPFH?

Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Haemoglobin (HPFH) is a term used to describe the genetically determined persistence of fetal haemoglobin production into adult life. The condition is inherited from one parent that has at least one gene for the HPHF. The individual that carries HPHF is not anaemic and there are no clinincal or haematological abnormalities associated with this condition.

When an individual carries both beta thalassaemia and HPFH the combination cannot cause anaemia. It is important that if this individual decides to have children they should have their partner tested for haemoglobin disorders.

If you would like further information on this condition please follow this link Carrying HPFH