Press Releases
A Call to Rhesus A-Negative and O-Negative Blood Donors
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22 July 2009
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The Singapore Red Cross [SRC] and the Bloodbank@HSA are making a targeted appeal to Rhesus A-negative and O-negative blood donors, to come forward to make a blood donation.
2 There has been high usage of these blood types by several victims of the recent Jakarta blasts who are in Singapore for treatment. This has resulted in significant depletion of the national stockpiles, which needs to be ramped up by at least 50 units of both A-negative and O-negative blood types in order to meet the continued needs of these patients as well as routine requirements for other patients.
3 Less than one per cent of the Singapore donor population has negative blood types. These blood types are more commonly found in the Caucasian and Indian communities.
Significant Surge in Rare Blood Usage
4 As at today, three Jakarta blast victims warded in our hospitals are Group A Rhesus negative. The clinical management of burn patients comprises many different stages over a prolonged period of time and this requires sustained blood support.
5 The Bloodbank@HSA maintains an inventory of Rhesus negative blood types at all times, which is needed to provide regular transfusion support for patients with chronic blood diseases (e.g.Thalassaemia) as well as patients with bleeding emergencies (e.g. complications of pregnancy). Because Rhesus negative blood type is rare in our population, it is critical that adequate levels are maintained in the stockpile at all times to meet these needs.
6 Due to the sudden surge of patients with Group A Rhesus negative blood type requiring treatment for severe burns and traumatic injuries, there is a need to replenish the stockpile in order to ensure that sufficient blood of this type is available for patients.
7 SRC, as the national blood donor recruiter, has already activated the recall list of Rhesus negative blood donors since Monday, 20 July 2009. This blood appeal is an additional measure to call on potential blood donors who are A and O negative to come forward to ramp up the stockpile.
Rare Blood Donors Urged to Come Forward
8 All healthy individuals who belong to the rare A-negative and O-negative blood types, between 18 and 60 years, weighing at least 45kg, are urged to come forward to help. Donors of these blood types who have not made a donation in the past 12 weeks are encouraged to donate as well.
9 All can donate blood at the Bloodbank@HSA located at 11 Outram Road [opposite Outram Park MRT Station]. The opening hours are as follows:
Tuesdays to Thursdays 9.00am to 6.30pm
Fridays 9.00am to 8.00pm
Saturdays 9.00am to 4.30pm
Sundays 9.00am to 2.00pm
Closed on Mondays and public holidays
Donors need to bring their NRIC [for Singaporeans], or passport [for non-Singaporeans].
10 Those who have not donated blood before in Singapore can visit www.hsa.gov.sg/donationcriteria or call SRC at 62200183 for more information on the blood donation criteria or to make an appointment for blood donation.
SINGAPORE RED CROSS & HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
22 JULY 2009