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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) spokesperson announced today (January 29) that blood donors will receive a set of three red packet envelopes when they give blood between February 2 and 18 while stocks last.
The spokesperson explained that more and more people will travel abroad as the Lunar New Year holidays are approaching, reducing the number of blood donors, while hospitals will increase their blood reserves before the long holidays to get prepared for regular blood use and sudden high blood demand situations. The BTS, therefore, is usually required to collect more blood donations to stabilise the blood supply about two weeks before the Lunar New Year holiday period. The blood inventories have been fluctuating between low and very low levels in recent months. The BTS will continue to urge the public to respond promptly to its appeal to collect sufficient blood in meeting the demand in the next several weeks.
Anyone who is aged between 16 and 60 (donation is possible up to the age of 70 if predetermined conditions are met), weighs over 41 kilograms and is in good health is eligible to give blood. Male and female adult donors aged 18 or above can donate every 75 days and every 105 days respectively. Youths aged 16 and 17 can donate every 150 days. For the locations and service hours of donor centres, please call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
Ends/Thursday, January 29, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:42
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