Appeal for blood donation as O positive blood inventory drops below normal level
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The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) has appealed to members of the public with the O positive blood type to donate blood immediately to avoid disruption of the blood supply and clinical transfusion treatment for patients.
The BTS spokesperson today (August 23) said that the long summer holiday and recent rainstorms have caused a continued decrease in blood collection, falling short of the daily hospital demand. While the blood demand remains high, the stock of O positive blood has fallen to a new low level. The BTS urges the community to support blood donation. Only with more regular donors can steady and sufficient blood supply be ensured for chronically and critically ill patients throughout the year.
Anyone who is aged between 16 and 60 (donation is possible up to the age of 70 if predetermined conditions are met), weighs over 41 kilograms and is in good health is eligible to give blood. Male and female adult donors aged 18 or above can donate every 75 days and every 105 days respectively. Youths aged 16 and 17 can donate every 150 days.
For locations and service hours of donor centres, please call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
Ends/Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:53
Issued at HKT 12:53
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