A+ and O+ blood donors needed, or surgeries may be postponed: Singapore Red Cross
SINGAPORE — The Singapore Red Cross is calling for A+ and O+ blood donors to replenish its low stocks due to a high usage of these blood types and a lower-than-normal turnout for blood donations.
The humanitarian organisation said on Friday (July 8) night in a Facebook post that 600 units of A+ blood and 1,200 units of O+ blood “must be collected over the next two weeks to bring our blood stocks back to healthy levels".
"Otherwise, major elective surgeries requiring A+ and O+ blood will have to be postponed."
It has started contacting donors with these blood types on Thursday through phone text messages and social media platforms, but many regular donors are down with Covid-19, it said.
It is encouraging all healthy individuals aged 18 to 60 weighing at least 45kg and with these blood types to donate.
Blood donors who have not donated in the past 12 weeks are also encouraged to do so.
People who have travelled in the last four months should check on their eligibility before visiting the blood banks because they may not be able to donate due to their travel history, the Singapore Red Cross said.
Interested donors may download the DonateBlood mobile application to make an appointment and complete a health questionnaire to shorten their waiting times at the blood banks.
They may also call the Singapore Red Cross at 6220 0183 or visit the giveblood.sg webpage to check their eligibility, make an appointment and check the blood banks’ opening hours.
Walk-ins to any of the four blood banks or other community blood drives are available as well.
Donors should note, though, that all blood banks will be closed on Sunday due to the Hari Raya Haji public holiday. All except for the one at the Health Sciences Authority will reopen next Monday.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Friday urged people with A+ and O+ blood types to donate.
"Spread the word... To all A+ and O+ blood donors, we need you." he wrote on Facebook.