Travelling to high-risk countries

[louis]

Hi,

I am posting this on behalf of a concerned and regular blood donor.

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Hi,

I am a regular blood donor at HSA and am due for my next donation in February. However, I am making a business trip to Vietnam next week. Being on the list of 'high risk' countries, how would this affect my suitability at my next appointment?

[louis]

It's strange to be answering to your own questions... However, here is the official response from HSA (Health Services Authority) regarding donors who are travelling to high-risk contries.

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Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your E-mail enquiry dated 23rd Feb 2009.

You will be pleased that donors who visit major cities in Vietnam (such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Min, Danang, Hue, etc) are eligible to donate whole blood, plasma and platelets. There are no restrictions as these major urban areas are not considered malaria-risk areas.

Donors who visit malaria-risk/malaria-endemic areas, such as the rural parts of Vietnam, can also donate either regular whole blood or plasma via the apheresis technique. There is no deferment for these donors for whole blood donation and plasma donation. However donors are still deferred from making platelet donations after returning from these areas, usually for 6 months. Please note that donors who have visited malaria endemic areas must have a minimum body weight of at least 50kg before they can donate. Donors who arebelow 50 Kg are advised to wait for 6 months after leaving that area (before donating).

We hope we have managed to clear your doubts and look forward to serving you in the near future.

For detailed information on criteria for blood donation, kindly visit our web site at the following web sites:

http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/health_services/blood_donation.html

http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/services/donorcare.html

Relevant health information for blood donors is available on these web-sites, together with a copy of our donor health questionnaire (with full explanatory notes) and the important health message to donors.

You are welcome to call us directly at 62130626 for further clarification.


Warmest Regards,
Dr. Jason Chay
Registrar
Blood Services Group
Health Sciences Authority