Chilean Hospital Seeks Blood Donors Ahead of World Blood Donor Day

The Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán (HCSBA) in Chile is urging eligible individuals to donate blood as part of global efforts to address critical shortages, according to Catherine Reinoso, a medical technologist and transfusion medicine coordinator at the hospital. “Blood is scarce, and many patients and hospitals need it,” Reinoso said, emphasizing the importance of voluntary donations.

Eligibility Requirements for Blood Donation

To donate blood at HCSBA, donors must meet specific criteria outlined by the hospital’s transfusion services. According to Reinoso, eligible individuals must:

– Be between 18 and 65 years old
– Weigh more than 50 kilograms
– Have slept at least five hours the night before donation
– Have eaten within the past five hours
– Wait at least three months after a prior donation (for men) or four months (for women)

Individuals with certain medical histories, such as hepatitis after age 12, recent surgeries, or tattoos within the last year, are ineligible, Reinoso added.

The Blood Donation Process at HCSBA

The process at HCSBA’s blood bank is designed to be efficient, Reinoso explained. Donors must first schedule an appointment via phone, WhatsApp, or social media. Upon arrival, they complete a registration and undergo a brief interview to ensure their safety and the safety of the blood recipients.

“If the staff determines you’re eligible, you’ll proceed to the phlebotomy area for the blood draw, which collects 450cc of blood,” Reinoso said.

Operating Hours and Scheduling Options

The HCSBA blood bank operates Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments can be booked by calling 225748684 or through WhatsApp numbers +56939584832 and +56942811829.

Why Blood Donation Matters

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024 campaign, “A Drop of Humanity. Donate Blood. Save Lives,” highlights the role of blood donation in emergency care, surgery, and treating conditions like leukemia. According to the WHO, blood transfusions save millions of lives annually, but global shortages persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

In Chile, the National Health Service (SEREMI) reports that hospitals like HCSBA rely heavily on voluntary donations to meet demand. “Every donation can save up to three lives,” said a spokesperson for the Chilean Red Cross.

How to Get Involved

Reinoso encouraged potential donors to prioritize their health and the needs of others. “Donating blood is a simple act with profound impact,” she said. For more information, visit the HCSBA blood bank’s Facebook page or Instagram account.

World Health Organization
Chilean Ministry of Health
Chilean Red Cross