By Christine Fabro
An RT-PCR test is not a requirement for individuals who plan to donate blood, a Department of Health (DOH) official said on Tuesday (June 15).
Based on the interim guidelines in response to COVID-19, National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) Program Manager Marites Estrella said an RT-PCR test is no longer required from volunteer blood donors or potential blood donors.
“Hindi na po natin kailangan ng RT-PCR test para po mag-donate ng dugo, kasi unang-una po, ang mga nag-do-donate ng dugo ay iyong mga healthy individuals lang,” Estrella said in the Laging Handa public briefing.
“Kailangan lang po maging responsable at honest po ang ating mga volunteer blood donor,” she added.
The DOH has reported a decline of blood donors since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Noong 2020 ay mayroon tayong decrease na about 22% ng blood collection,” Estrella said.
In response to the scarcity of blood collection, the DOH set up a blood services network, wherein each hospital’s blood bank shares blood resources with other hospitals in need.
“Kung wala pong Type A doon sa isang hospital at mayroong maraming Type A po doon sa pangalawang hospital, iyon po ay nag-shi-share sila para lang po matugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga pasyente sa kanilang transfusion ng dugo bawat araw.”
Some COVID-19 patients who need blood transfusion are those with a low platelet count.
At this moment, dengue patients are at risk of needing blood transfusions, prompting Estrella to call on household heads to ensure that their children avoid getting dengue fever.
How to donate blood?
For individuals who plan to donate blood, all volunteer donors must be:
- 18 to 65 years old
- At least 110 lbs. or 50 kg.
- Physically healthy without hypertension and diabetes
- Not anemic
Before heading out to donate blood, donor must have had:
- At least 6 to 8 hours of sleep
- Hydrated with at least 500 ml. of water
#- jlo
