Blood Donation Precautionary Measures in Response to Novel Coronavirus Infection (Updated on 04/02/2020)

The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) has established policy to ensure blood safety. BTS always reviews the blood donation arrangement for donor who returned from the areas with potential risks of infectious diseases. In response to the situation in relation to novel coronavirus infection, the spokesperson for BTS today (4 February) announced the following precautionary measures to be implemented with immediate 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 novel coronavirus infection while that patient was symptomatic should be deferred from blood donation for 28 days;
• Member of public with confirmed novel coronavirus infection will be deferred for 180 days after complete recovery.

The spokesperson said that having considered the situation cautiously, while balancing the risk of blood safety, the Hospital Authority (BTS) Expert Panel on Blood and Blood Products Safety revised the arrangement. The expert panel remains vigilant and works closely with relevant departments to monitor the latest developments and enact timely reviews of related measures. Meanwhile, all blood donors are reminded that if they develop symptoms such as fever, respiratory tract infection or pneumonia after their blood donation, they should seek medical advice and inform the BTS healthcare staff as soon as possible (during office hours: 2710 1201/ 2710 1243/2710 1298; outside office hours: 2710 1210/2710 1234).