Press Releases
Influenza A (H1N1) : Bloodbank@HSA Urges Continued Blood Donations
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1 May 2009
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Enhanced measures taken to further safeguard blood and donor safety
The Bloodbank@HSA (opens in new tab) is urging continued blood donations from donors to help maintain a sufficient national blood stock for daily transfusion needs and emergencies. While there is still adequate blood supply to meet the current daily needs, we are concerned that donor attendance may fall.
2 Since 28 April 2009, the Bloodbank@HSA (opens in new tab) has stepped-up the longstanding stringent screening of blood donors to safeguard our national blood supply from the Influenza A (H1N1) virus and to minimise donors' risk of exposure. Donors can be assured that the Bloodbank@HSA (opens in new tab) has and will continue to take all necessary measures in accordance with the Alert levels to ensure the safety of blood donors.
3 Deferral measures are in place for donors who may have been exposed to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. This is on top of current screening procedures which already require donors to be in good health when donating blood.
4 We have also, since 28 April 2009, implemented the following risk containment and reduction measures to ensure that risks are kept to a minimum:
Temperature monitoring of all staff is conducted twice a day, and temperature monitoring of all potential donors at screening stations set up outside the blood donation areas is also conducted. Those who are unwell or have temperature above 37.5°C will not be allowed to enter the blood donation areas in the Bloodbank@HSA (opens in new tab) or at blood mobiles.
Staff triaging potential donors are required to wear masks and gloves. Donors and staff at the Bloodbank@HSA (opens in new tab) and blood mobiles are provided with antiseptic hand rubs to clean their hands at screening stations.
High level of personal hygiene is practised to ensure blood and donor safety. Increased hand washing stations and alcohol hand rubs are available at all stations.
Blood donation areas at the Bloodbank@HSA (opens in new tab) and blood mobiles are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Following the change of alert level to "Orange" on 30 April 2009, all blood centre staff, blood donors and their family members/friends will also be required to wear masks with immediate effect.
5 We encourage our blood donors to practise all precautions as advised by the Ministry of Health. If they are fit and healthy and do not fall into any risk category of exposure to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, we strongly urge them to come forward to donate blood regularly.
6 Members of the public donate blood at the Bloodbank@HSA (opens in new tab) 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
7 Members of the public can also donate blood at our community mobiles. Details of the community mobiles are available online at www.donorweb.org (opens in new tab). Those who wish to donate can call the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) at 62200183 for more details. SRC will also be initiating SMS recalls of blood-type specific donors to come forward to donate blood during this time to ensure that all blood types are kept at optimal stock level. As blood can only be kept for a limited period of time, we seek the support of blood donors to help us ensure a constant supply of blood.
8 The Bloodbank@HSA (opens in new tab) will continue to monitor and review our screening criteria based on the best available information to ensure the safety of our national blood supply and to also ensure that our blood donors are not unnecessarily deferred.
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
1 MAY 2009