Be SomeOne Special, Be A Blood Donor
At least 250 blood donations are needed every day to meet the transfusion needs of patients at all the hospitals in Singapore. With an increasing aged population and more sophisticated medical procedures, the need for donors is increasing. Basic Requirements • Health : Generally good • Age : 16 to 60 years (16-& 17-year-olds can donate with parental / guardian consent) • Weight : At least 45 kg • Haemoglobin level: At least 12.5 g/dl for males; At least 12.0 g/dl for females • Interval between Blood Donations • At least 12 weeks (3 months)
You are Not Eligible to Donate Blood if you have or had • • • • • • • • Diseases of the heart or lungs Cancer Abnormal bleeding tendency or blood disorder Major surgery (can donate after 6 - 12 months) AIDS or symptoms of AIDS, such as unexplained fevers, severe night sweats, unexpected weight loss, swollen glands, chronic diarrhea or rare cancer Uncontrolled seizures after infancy Hepatitis B or C Syphilis / sexually transmitted diseases.
Some Common Reasons for Temporary Deferral If you have had: • Taking any form of medication over the last 3 days. • • • • • Cold or sore throat, please wait one week after recovery or treatment Normal pregnancy, please wait 6 weeks after delivery or stopped breast feeding. Travelled to a malaria endemic area, please wait 6 months to 3 years and ask the attending doctor/nurse whether you can donate Hepatitis contact/major surgery, please wait 6 months Tattoo, pierced ears (unless using sterile disposable equipment), acupuncture and blood transfusions, please wait 1 year and inform the attending doctor/nurse
Where You Can Donate Blood 1. The Bloodbank@HSA Health Sciences Authority Building (Opposite Outram Park MRT Station) 11 Outram Road, Health Sciences Authority Building Singapore 169078 Tel: 62200-183 Opening Hours Tuesday – Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 9.00am – 6.30pm 9.00am – 8.00pm 9.00am – 4.30pm 9.00am – 2.00pm
2. Mobile drives can be organised at your place of work, workshop or community. You are encouraged to call for an appointment. Please call 62200183 for your bookings.
Bring along your NRIC or blood donation card for registration. Non-Singaporeans have to produce their passports for registration.
POST- BLOOD DONATION INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for giving blood today. We know you are experiencing a feeling of great satisfaction having contributed to the National Blood Programme. We like you to take note of the following points to ensure your own comfort and well being after the blood donation: 1. Rest in the blood donor chair or resting bed for at least 10 minutes after the donation is completed. The nurse will put a plaster over the needle site. Keep the plaster on for 4 – 6 hours. 2. Rest in the donor refreshment lounge for another 10 minutes. Refreshment will be served to you. 3. Drink more fluids than usual today. This will help to replace the liquid component of the blood you donate. 4. Take the iron tablet given to you for 2 weeks. 5. To prevent bruising and promote healing at the needle site, avoid heavy lifting or carrying for 12 hours. 6. You may resume your normal activities but strenuous or athletic activities should be postponed until tomorrow. This is a precaution to help your body adjust to the blood withdrawn. 7. Do not leave if you have any discomfort or unusual feelings. If you do not feel perfectly normal, please call for a nurse. 8. If there is any bleeding from the needle site, raise your arm and apply pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down or sit down with your head between your knees. 9. If you develop any unusual symptoms during the next 2 days, please call the Singapore Blood Transfusion Service at tel: 223 5640 and speak to the Medical Officer on duty. 10. You will not be eligible to donate blood again after 12 weeks (3 months). This is to ensure that blood donated is fully replaced by your body before your next donation.
On behalf of the patients who will benefit from your blood donation,
THANK YOU.
We look forward to seeing you again.