Transfusion centre boosts blood stocks for SEA Games
Officials from the Blood Transfusion Centre of the Lao Red Cross have thanked blood donors for helping boost blood stocks for emergency use during the SEA Games.
Head of the centre’s Blood Donor Recruitment, Mr Phengthong Banchanthavong, said he was very happy to see that Lao people were aware there was a need and had donated their blood for this important event.
“This has been a lucky time for us. Thanks to several important events this month, the public has been encouraged to donate blood. These include the 89th birthday anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane, National Day and the SEA Games,” Mr Phengthong said.
During the games, officials have been able to collect 1,000 bags of blood a day, with each bag containing 350cc.
“I am fully confident that we have enough blood for use during the games as long as there is no unexpected incident. At present we can provide 20-30 bags of blood daily,” Mr Phengthong said.
Hospitals that are standing by to help out during the games have postponed surgeries that are not urgent.
The Blood Transfusion Centre has been campaigning for more blood donations since last month.
However, more donations are needed to make sure there are no blood shortages in the future and to help the centre achieve its target of collecting 25,000 bags of blood in 2010.
There are two options for people who want to donate blood.
The centre has mobile teams who collect blood from volunteers at government agencies, schools and in local communities.
Alternatively, people are welcome to donate blood at the Blood Transfusion Centre in Sisaket village, Chanthabouly district, every day, including Saturdays and Sundays.
The blood is stored at a temperature of 2 to 6C, and must be used within 35 days. Mr Phengthong said if the centre collected a surplus that exceeded hospital demand, the extra blood would be distributed to provincial hospitals to help ease the blood shortage in these areas.
To ensure that all blood collected is safe, each donor is given a questionnaire to complete. Men are required to answer 18 short questions and women 21 before their blood can be accepted. A potential donor’s blood is also tested to make sure it has no impurities.
Any healthy man between the ages of 17 and 60 (55 for women) and weighing at least 45kg can donate blood four times a year.
Mr Phengthong said the centre also welcomed athletes and visitors who wanted to donate blood.
“Every drop will be used to help save a person’s life,” he said.
Source: Vientiane Times
By Xayxana Leukai
December 19, 2009
