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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (April 6) appealed to members of the public to donate blood to help replenish persistently low blood inventories, so as to ensure adequate blood supplies and clinical transfusion treatment for patients.
The BTS spokesperson said that since the recent Easter and Ching Ming long holidays, the number of blood donations was unable to reach the daily target of 1 100. While blood demand remains high, the blood stock of all blood groups (in particular A positive and B positive) has dropped to low levels.
Since blood demand in hospitals persists, the BTS urges residents of all walks of life to join in and support blood donations. Only with the support of regular donations will the BTS be able to steadily provide sufficient blood for chronically and critically ill patients throughout the year.
Anyone who is aged from 16 to 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 between 16 and 17 can donate every 150 days.
For location and service hours of donor centres, please call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
Ends/Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:01
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