Every two seconds, someone in the United States requires blood, and more than 44,000 blood donations are needed every day. While statistics are not published in China, we all know that donating blood saves lives. It’s an easy way to make a big difference, and one pint, extractable in 10-15 minutes, can help up to three adults.
Blood cannot be manufactured it only comes from the generosity of donors. The Shanghai Blood Center encourages everyone to donate, especially those with rare blood types. More than 99 percent of the population in China has Rh-positive blood. Type O-negative blood is incredibly rare, with an estimated one in 250 Chinese people having that blood type. By comparison, 15 percent of Caucasians have Rh- negative blood.
In early 2014, television channel ICS reported that an 87-year-old re- tired Chinese teacher urgently needed AB-negative blood following surgery, after he consumed almost all the stock of that type in Shanghai. This event triggered the Shanghai Blood Center to encourage more foreigners to donate blood to help save lives, especially if they were a rare blood type.
The red cells of Type O-negative blood can be transfused to patients of all blood types. It is always in high demand and often in short sup- ply. Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all other blood types. AB plasma is also usually in short supply. Those with Rh- negative blood are also especially welcome.
Shanghai Red Cross Blood Center
Visit the Shanghai Red Cross Blood Center to donate blood. Find your closest location on their website (www.sbc.org.cn). All healthy adults are encouraged to donate, regardless of nationality or blood type. Every blood sample is rigorously screened for Hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis before it is stored for clinical use. Remember to bring your passport.
