Blood and Travel

Many travelers are by now familiar with the need for immunizations to protect against infectious diseases but one of the most important causes of death abroad is motor vehicle accidents. While this cannot always be avoided often the driver or pedestrian have been drinking or intoxicated from other causes.

On many vacations mopeds and small motorbikes are frequently causes of accidents.

One suggestion for those travelling to new locations is to avoid driving in crowded and unknown areas until after you know the area a little better. Even a little familiarity with the road can help road performance and help anticipate and prevent accidents.

Because road accidents are often very traumatic blood products may be needed. The safety of blood products abroad varies depending on the type of screening of donors, which may vary, country to country.

Unscreened blood products can transmit diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, Chaga's disease, and possibly even malaria.

Blood because it is such a rare commodity worldwide is usually given only when clearly needed and when no other treatment is appropriate. Travelers doing extreme activities in remote areas also need to know that if they require a transfusion they may be using blood that would have otherwise gone to local inhabitants. Their behaviours also have impacts on others as well as their own safety.

Often travelers present to their family doctor before travelling asking to know their ABO Blood type prior to their departure. This seems like a reasonable request particularly in the case they may need a transfusion abroad from some terrible and unexpected accident. Many travel organizations; missionaries and other overseas groups also recommend getting blood typed and even go so far as to make it a prerequisite on their application forms.

However, the value of blood typing for this purpose is questionable and is not the normal way modern hospitals even in developing countries process blood transfusions. Since blood contains many antigens- the ABO blood group and Rh proteins as well as many others, clinicians request a blood compatibility test commonly “group and match” where the donor and recipient blood samples are checked in detail for incompatibilities. This is necessary to avoid transfusion created problems. Thus just knowing a persons blood type is not very useful.

Doing unnecessary tests also leads to yet more costs with health care and puts added strains on the Canadian Blood Services who always need blood as well.

Still some travelers do need their preparticipatory screening forms completed and their ABO typing.

One solution for travelers requiring this information is to simply go to the Canadian Blood services and become blood donors. All donors are told their blood type and in addition also help those in need of blood products.

If you are donating blood after a vacation the Blood banks will carefully screen donors by reviewing recent travel to tropical countries and immunizations received. Some live vaccines prevent blood from being accepted for periods so it is useful to bring your immunization record to the blood bank.

The Canadian Blood Services does regular blood drives across the province and can be reached through their main location at 777 William ave. They may be contacted for information on how to become a donor at (204) 789-1000.

Even in this present age of high tech medicine simple resources like blood is sorely needed and donations are appreciated and needed.

Long-term travelers may also inquire about the possibility of donating blood while abroad as this is another way they can help the country they are visiting.

By giving blood travelers can give something back, or know that if they ever need blood someone will likewise provide for them as well.