Donate blood this summer and become a hero in your own right
Blood Donation Urged in Portugal Amid Summer Shortage
As the summer season approaches, the demand for blood in Portugal is on the rise, particularly for key blood groups like A+, A-, O+, and O-. To ensure a steady supply of blood during this critical period, the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST) is encouraging more people to donate.
Eligibility Criteria
To donate blood in Portugal during the summer, individuals must meet certain requirements. They must be aged between 18 and 65 years old (first-time donors can donate up to 60 years old). The minimum weight requirement is 50 kg or more. Donors must lead a healthy lifestyle without any infections or conditions that would preclude donation.
Regular donors are particularly encouraged to donate before going on holiday due to low summer reserves. This is because many regular donors are on vacation during the summer months, leading to a decrease in blood donations.
Importance of High-Demand Blood Groups
High-demand blood groups such as A+, A-, O+, and O- are vital during this shortage period. The Portuguese hospitals require around 1,100 units of blood daily, and the shortage has led to postponement of some surgeries due to low reserves.
The IPST manages specific priority rules for these high-demand groups based on current clinical demands. However, there is a particular focus on replenishing blood groups A and O in both Rh positive and negative variants.
The Need for More Donors
The summer months are a crucial time for blood donations, and the need for eligible donors is urgent. Eligible donors who meet the standard health and age criteria are encouraged to donate to help replenish critical blood stocks and prioritise urgent medical needs.
In summary, eligible donors are urgently needed in summer, with a particular focus on replenishing blood groups A and O in both Rh positive and negative variants. By donating blood, individuals can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
[1] Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST). (2021). Blood Donation Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.ipst.pt/en/donar-sangue/requisitos-para-doar-sangue/
[2] Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST). (2021). Summer Blood Donation Campaign. Retrieved from https://www.ipst.pt/en/campanhas-de-doacao-de-sangue/campanhas-de-doacao-de-sangue-de-verao/
[3] Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST). (2021). Urgent Blood Donation Needed. Retrieved from https://www.ipst.pt/en/urgente/urgente-doacao-de-sangue/
[4] Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST). (2021). Blood Transfusion Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.ipst.pt/en/estatisticas/estatisticas-de-transfusao-de-sangue/
In Portugal, the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST) urges eligible individuals to donate blood, specifically focusing on high-demand blood groups such as A+, A-, O+, and O- during the summer season. These blood groups are vital for maintaining the health-and-wellness of countless individuals, ensuring that hospitals can continue to perform surgeries and meet critical medical needs. As summer approaches and regular donors go on vacation, the science of blood donation becomes even more crucial to overcome the summer shortage.
