Blood Donation Precautionary Measures in Response to COVID-19 (updated on 15 Mar 2022)
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) has established policy to ensure blood safety. BTS regularly reviews the blood donation eligibility criteria based on the latest information about the COVID-19. The following updates on precautionary measures are implemented with immediate effect.
Member of public who had contracted COVID-19 (confirmed positive via rapid antigen test / nucleic acid test), or had close contact with a confirmed / suspected COVID-19 case, should be deferred from blood donation for a minimum of 14 days, depends on their symptoms and recovery. The prospective donor(s) should also have completed all government requirements including quarantine, isolation and follow-up testing(s) before donation.
- Member of public who had contracted COVID-19 and was symptomatic, should be deferred for 14 days after complete recovery;
- Member of public who had contracted COVID-19 and was asymptomatic, should be deferred for 14 days after the date of the last positive test result;
- Member of public who had close contact with a confirmed / suspected COVID-19 case, should be deferred for 14 days.
Meanwhile, those who have travelled outside Hong Kong recently will continued to be deferred from blood donation for 28 days from the date of arrival.
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 1333; Outside office hours: 2710 1234) as soon as possible.