Call for blood donation

In the last few weeks, the number of blood and plasma donations on the decline. This is probably in connection with the Corona-Virus-pandemic. Blood and blood plasma are, however, still needs urgent. To avoid a bottleneck, go to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute (PEI) and the Federal centre for health education (BZgA), therefore, in a joint communication on blood donation:

“In the context of the spread of the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) are decreased in the past few weeks, blood and plasma donations. For the care of patients with blood transfusions and medicines produced from blood donations, it is very important that citizens donate blood continues,“ it States.

Blood donation allows to continue

In their joint message, RKI, PEI and BzgA expressly point out that the blood donations are allowed, despite the current strict measures for the limitation of social contacts, and necessary is:

“The spread of the SARS-Coronavirus-2 Germany was curb wide-drastic measures for the reduction of social contacts introduced, the blood donations are among the vulnerable areas in health care and need to be continued, with appropriate precautions, in spite of the measures adopted to curb the pandemic more. Therefore, all who feel healthy and fit can, and should, continue to the blood or blood plasma donation leave.“

Why donations are currently less human blood?

The Federal centre for health education (BZgA) explains the decline in donations as follows:

“By the SARS-CoV 2-epidemic, acute, the supply of blood components can not be compromised, as donors out of fear of infection to the donation dates. Critical is also that due to the closure of schools and other facilities that are used for mobile donation appointments, less donation appointments are possible.“

Infection with Corona Virus on the donation of blood is unlikely

According to RKI, PEI and BZgA no contagion for the recipients of blood and blood plasma is a risk. “There is currently no indication that SARS-CoV-2 is a blood-transferable and may be due to undetected infected persons, patients or the patient is transferred,” – said in the call.

For donors, the blood donation still safe: “The hygiene standards in the blood establishments shall ensure that donors are not at increased risk for SARS-Cov-2-contagion”.

Even before the current pandemic, donors, showed signs of infection were excluded from blood donation. In a survey, and a health check prior to donation important health parameters are checked. In case of irregularities in Donations to be put back.

“The medical staff routinely checked the health status of the donors. This, among other things, the measure of the body temperature, and infection-related survey includes. People who show signs of infection, should not donate at this time blood. The rest of the donor selection criteria laid down in the Haemotherapy guideline to infection safety of blood, continue to be complied with“, to inform the RKI, PEI and BZgA.

Where can one donate blood?

On a special website of the Federal centre answered for health education all questions around the topic of blood donation. There you will find also blood donation services in your area. You clarify, where appropriate, prior to the donation by phone, what you currently need to pay attention to, in order to protect themselves and others against infection with SARS-Cov-2.

Background

Blood donations in Germany, day-to-day needs, such as for the care of people after accidents. Also, essential medicines are made, for example, for the treatment of people with cancer. Since blood and blood components such as blood platelets (thrombocytes) have only a limited shelf life, it is important that regular blood donations will be made.

For more information on this topic, see our article “Blutspende”.

Important Note

Healthy, adult people are allowed to donate at certain intervals the blood. Some reasons, however, against a donation. In addition, the Federal centre for health education (“when should I donate?”). Should you be uncertain about whether you are allowed to donate blood, please check with your family doctor or your family doctor. (kh)