Thai Red Cross urges urgent blood donations as reserves fall

The Thai Red Cross Society (TRCS) is appealing for blood donations from the public, as reserves in its blood bank have dropped drastically below acceptable levels, posing a direct threat to patients who require transfusions.

The TRCS says that blood reserves at its blood bank and at hospitals normally fall to their lowest levels during February and March each year. However, accidents and emergencies can occur at any time, requiring blood to be readily available.

Donors must be between 17 and 70 years old and weigh at least 45kg. They must also be in good health, have no underlying diseases, and avoid risky sexual behaviour.

According to Associate Professor Dr Dootchai Chaiwanichsiri, TRCS director, 2–3 units of blood are typically required for a standard surgery, while serious cases may need 5–6 units. Each unit of blood is between 350 and 450cc.

Those interested in donating blood can do so at their nearest blood donation unit, at the Thai Red Cross Society, or at locations listed on the TRCS website:

https://thailbloodcentre.redcross.or.th

There are various types of blood donations, including apheresis, plateletpheresis, double red cell apheresis, and plasmapheresis.