Hong Kong – Appeal for blood donations as blood stocks run low

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (September 26) announced that the blood inventories have been depleted to very low levels, with only three to four days’ stock. It is important to duly replenish the blood inventories to meet the blood demand of local hospitals during the National Day and Chung Yeung Festival public holidays. The BTS urgently appealed to members of the public to donate blood to provide sufficient blood supply for clinical transfusion to patients.

     Blood collection has been unstable due to the capricious epidemic situation. The stock level might not meet the daily demand from local hospitals. Blood supply is crucial in local hospitals for treating various illness. Needless to say, blood collection is crucial for the accident and emergency departments, not to mention for emergency operations and organ transplants as well as for meeting blood demand from thalassemia and blood cancer patients.

     As a token of gratitude for the support of blood donors, the BTS has prepared a limited edition “Blood Donation Captain” recycle bag (see Annex 1) for blood donors who come forward to give blood at donor centres, while stocks last. Most of the BTS’ donor centres will maintain normal service during the National Day and Chung Yeung Festival public holidays (see Annex 2). The BTS welcomes the support of the public in blood donation. 

     Anyone aged between 16 and 65 (donation is possible up to the age of 75 if predetermined conditions are met), weighs 41kg or above and is in good health is eligible to give blood. To prevent crowds from gathering and long waiting times, donors are advised to make appointments by calling the donor centres, via the “HK Blood” mobile app or visiting the BTS website (www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts).