How soon can people with Covid-19 donate blood?

On March 28, in response to the 22nd anniversary of the All People’s Voluntary Blood Donor Day (April 7, 2000 – April 7, 2022), the National Institute of Hematology – Blood Transfusion held a voluntary blood donation day. This is also considered the first opening activity in response to the National Blood Donor Day.

Mr. Nguyen Van Nhu, Head of Health Education and Communication Department, National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, said that the demand for blood in Vietnam every year needs 2 million units.

Particularly at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, each year needs about 350,000 – 360,000 blood units (ie, 1,300 – 1,400 blood units should be received per day). At this time, there are always 7,000 – 8,000 blood units in stock. However, such blood volume is not much compared to the plan set out to maintain. Because every day the Institute emits an average of 1,300 – 1,400 units of blood.

According to Ths. Nhu, currently the blood donation force has changed markedly. In the past, we relied on students (sometimes up to 70%) but in recent years, the Institute has focused more on civil servants and workers in state agencies, companies and enterprises. These forces have good health, stable living standards and knowledge. In addition to participating in direct blood donation, they also become volunteers in blood donation campaign, propagating this noble gesture to family members, friends, colleagues…

“We want to strengthen the regular blood donation force, not completely dependent on students to avoid falling into serious blood shortage during Tet and summer holidays,” said Mr. Nhu.

Mr. Nguyen Van Nhu, Head of Health Education and Communication Department, National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, gave an interview to the press.

Answering the question of how long people with Covid-19 can donate blood, Mr. Nguyen Van Nhu, Head of Health Education Communication Department, National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, said that cases of Covid-19 (F0) can donate blood 10 days after meeting 2 conditions. the following conditions: negative for SARS-CoV-2 virus (PCR method or rapid antigen test) and no longer have one or more symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea…).

This is also consistent with the guidance of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA also does not recommend a Covid-19 screening test for blood donors.

For people newly vaccinated against Covid-19, if their health is stable, people can donate blood after 7 days with vaccines approved by the Ministry of Health; after 1 month with live attenuated vaccines or do not remember exactly which vaccine was given and after 6 months with vaccine trial participants. This delay is also in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The purpose of the delay is a few days so that the effects of the vaccine are best tolerated after injection, to ensure the health of the blood donor after the injection (no more common reactions such as fever, fatigue, body aches). and avoid adverse reactions after blood donation.

For cases of close contact (F1), the time to delay blood donation will apply according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health on medical isolation from F1. Specifically, at the present time, according to Official Letter No. 762/BYT-DP dated February 21, 2022 of the Ministry of Health, a 5-day medical isolation with F1 has been injected with at least 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine. 19, the last dose injected within at least 14 days or recovered from Covid-19 within 3 months by the time of being identified as subject F1; Medical isolation for 7 days with F1 who have not had enough doses or have not been vaccinated against Covid-19.

People participate in voluntary blood donation

The Central Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion also notes the following points for blood donors:

– Only register to donate blood when really healthy and have no risk of infection with blood-borne diseases, no risk factors related to Covid-19.

– Answer fully and honestly questions about health status and epidemiological factors related to Covid-19.

– Medical declaration via PC-Covid application.

– Comply with the 5K message of the Ministry of Health when participating in blood donation. This is the most important measure to ensure safety against Covid-19 when participating in blood donation.

– Donate blood when meeting the following criteria: weight ≥ 42 kg for women and ≥ 45 kg for men; hemoglobin test: ≥ 120 g/l. The amount of blood donated each time should not exceed 9ml/kg body weight.

– If you have ever donated blood: at least 12 weeks from the last blood donation, at least 3 weeks from the last platelet donation.

– Bring your CMT/CCCD or valid ID when you come to donate blood.

Nguyen An