This week was a whirl wind for me with all of the module work. But the question of the week is what really sparked my interest. The question was if you were in Africa and were in an accident and needed a blood transfusion would you accept it there, or would you wait for blood to come from states. My response was to except the blood transfusion. Answering this question on the spot was easy; however, according to the Safe Blood for Africa Foundation, 5-10% of their transfusions are infected with HIV (Busch, 2008). I was comparing the transfusions that happened in Africa to those in the United States. There is an enormous difference. According to the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute, “Your risk of getting HIV from a blood transfusion is lower than your risk of getting killed by lightning. Only about 1 in 2 million donations might carry HIV and transmit HIV if given to a patient” (What is blood transfusion, 2009).
As illustrated below, the graph compares HIV infected blood transfusions performed in the United States to those in Africa. This graph does not necessarily indicate the high risk of contracting HIV from a transfusion performed in Africa; rather it shows just how safe transfusions are in the United States. What stands out to me this week, goes far beyond the original “do, or not to do” scenario. I am truly amazed that while transfusions in Africa are fairly safe, fairly safe isn’t good enough. If transfusions performed in the United States can be almost foolproof, then it’s possible to be that safe worldwide.
As illustrated below, the graph compares HIV infected blood transfusions performed in the United States to those in Africa. This graph does not necessarily indicate the high risk of contracting HIV from a transfusion performed in Africa; rather it shows just how safe transfusions are in the United States. What stands out to me this week, goes far beyond the original “do, or not to do” scenario. I am truly amazed that while transfusions in Africa are fairly safe, fairly safe isn’t good enough. If transfusions performed in the United States can be almost foolproof, then it’s possible to be that safe worldwide.
ADD ON:
I found an organization in Maui, Hawaii. Maui AIDS Foundation is a organization that offers a number of amenities to those who HIV/AIDS positive. The organization offers a wonderful health care support that will provide “financial support for medical, dental, nutritional, emotional and transportation needs all funded by Ryan White Care Act & the local Dennis Dane emergency fund” (Maui AIDS Foundation, 2007). Along with medical support Maui AIDS foundation will provide housing and counseling services. Maui AIDS foundation is also very big on providing prevention education services (Maui AIDS Foundation, 2007).
undefined. (July 2009). What is blood transfusion?. In National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute. Retrieved
September 15, 2009, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/bt/bt_whatis.html.
Undefined. (2007). Programs. Maui AIDS Foundation. Retrieved September 15,2009, from
http://www.mauiaids.org/default.asp .
I found an organization in Maui, Hawaii. Maui AIDS Foundation is a organization that offers a number of amenities to those who HIV/AIDS positive. The organization offers a wonderful health care support that will provide “financial support for medical, dental, nutritional, emotional and transportation needs all funded by Ryan White Care Act & the local Dennis Dane emergency fund” (Maui AIDS Foundation, 2007). Along with medical support Maui AIDS foundation will provide housing and counseling services. Maui AIDS foundation is also very big on providing prevention education services (Maui AIDS Foundation, 2007).
undefined. (July 2009). What is blood transfusion?. In National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute. Retrieved
September 15, 2009, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/bt/bt_whatis.html.
Undefined. (2007). Programs. Maui AIDS Foundation. Retrieved September 15,2009, from
http://www.mauiaids.org/default.asp .
That's really interesting. I think just being Americans we think that we have the best resources around and anything outside of America is inferior. I would definitely take the transfusion especially since learning that the actual risk of getting infected is so low.
ReplyDeleteI answered the same way on the QOTW. Of course I would choose to take the transfusion rather than die, but the risk is significantly greater in Africa than in the US. I donate blood very often, and the screen process for any type of blood disease is very precise. I wouldn't think twice about it in the US. My family is actually moving to Hawaii soon so I am excited to see an organization in Maui!
ReplyDelete