Blood Donation Precautionary Measures in Response to COVID-19 (Updated on 26 Feb 2020)

The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) has established policy to ensure blood safety. BTS regularly reviews the blood donation arrangement for prospective donors who returned from the areas with potential risks of infectious diseases. In response to the latest development in COVID-19, the spokesperson for BTS today (26 February) announced the following precautionary measures to be implemented with immediate effect.

• Member of public who has recently visited Korea (also referred as “South Korea”), should be deferred from blood donation for 28 days from the date of departure.

Meanwhile, the measures stated below continue to remain in effect:

• Member of public who has recently visited the Mainland should be deferred from blood donation for 28 days from the date of departure;
• Member of public who had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 while that patient was symptomatic should be deferred from blood donation for 28 days;
• Member of public with confirmed COVID-19 will be deferred for 180 days after complete recovery.

The above arrangements are made with careful assessment and thorough consideration of associated risks on blood safety by the Hospital Authority (BTS) Expert Panel on Blood and Blood Products Safety. Expert Panel shall remain vigilant and work closely with relevant departments to monitor the latest development, and to timely review related measures. Meanwhile, all blood donors are reminded that if they develop the symptoms of fever, respiratory tract infection or pneumonia after blood donation, they should seek medical advice and inform the healthcare staff of BTS (During office hours: 2710 1201/ 2710 1243/2710 1298; Outside office hours: 2710 1210/2710 1234) as soon as possible.