The question, "Who needed blood?", can be answered by looking at the specific groups mentioned in the provided reference. These groups include sickle cell patients and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These patients need blood for different reasons related to their conditions. Here's a more detailed explanation:
Blood Needs Based on Medical Conditions
The following groups of individuals have a high need for blood transfusions:
- Sickle Cell Patients: These individuals often require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives. Sickle cell disease is a condition that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down easily. This process can result in a chronic shortage of healthy red blood cells, making transfusions necessary for proper bodily function.
- Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: Many of the more than 1 million people diagnosed with cancer each year require blood transfusions. Chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, leading to a decrease in red blood cell production. As a result, these patients can need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatments.
Blood Types and Hospital Demands
The most requested blood type by hospitals is Type O. This type is often considered the "universal donor" because it can be given to people with any blood type in emergency situations. Though the type needed by sickle cell and cancer patients may vary based on their individual blood type, the general demand for blood is high.
Examples
- A sickle cell patient experiencing a painful crisis may require an immediate blood transfusion to relieve symptoms.
- A cancer patient receiving intensive chemotherapy may need regular blood transfusions to maintain acceptable red blood cell levels.
Conclusion
Both **sickle cell patients** and **cancer patients** are explicitly stated to need blood. The reference emphasizes their frequent transfusion needs due to the nature of their illnesses and treatments.
