Blood contains many life-saving components that can help to treat different illnesses and injuries. For many patients, blood donors are their lifeline.
To be an eligible blood donor, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 16 and 65 years old
- Weigh at least 45 kg
- Have a haemoglobin level of at least 13.0 g/dl for males and 12.5 g/dl for females
- Generally, be in good health
- Not have had any symptoms of infection for at least 1 week, e.g., sore throat, cough, runny nose, diarrhoea
- Not have had a fever in the last four weeks
Overseas Deferral Criteria
Have you been overseas in the last three months or lived outside Singapore previously? If yes, please check the latest overseas deferral criteria before you make your donation.
You are also encouraged to take some time to view the links that may be relevant to you here.
What is the Blood Donation Process?
Blood donation is a safe procedure and an easy process. All our blood bank staff observe strict hygiene protocols. The equipment used in blood collection (e.g., needles, swabs, gauze, tubing, etc.) are new, sterile, and discarded after one use. It takes about 45 minutes for whole blood donation and up to 90 minutes for apheresis donation. Read on to find out more about the donation process
You need one identity proof for registration, a contactable address and a telephone number in Singapore within the next six months. If you are below 18 years old, you will also need a signed parental consent form.
| 1) Registration Your personal particulars will be recorded, and you will be asked to fill out a health assessment questionnaire. | |
| 2) Blood test Your blood haemoglobin level will be checked to ensure that you can donate. | |
| 3) Medical screening A health screener will ask you about your medical, travel and social history to confirm that you are fit to donate, after which your weight, blood pressure, pulse and body temperature will be taken. |
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| 4) Blood donation Your arm will be cleaned, after which a local painkiller will be applied to ensure that you feel minimal pain during the donation. The actual withdrawal of blood takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and about 350 – 450 ml of blood is collected. | |
| 5) RefreshmentsAfter the donation, you are advised to rest for 10 to 15 minutes and have some light refreshments before resuming normal activities. Here are some tips on Post-donation care. |
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Contributed By
- Health Sciences Authority