Earlier on March 10, The Straits Times reported that a few Covid-19 patients in South Korea made blood donations two weeks prior to being tested positive.

The piece of news probably alarmed some Singaporeans who might, in turn, become fearful of donating blood or worry for the recipients of donated blood amidst the Covid-19 outbreak.

In response to Mothership's query, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said that there have not been any cases of Covid-19 reported to be transmitted through blood transfusion in the world.

This is because Covid-19 is caused by a respiratory virus, and respiratory viruses are in general not known to spread through blood transfusions, the spokesperson said.

Stringent measures to safeguard blood supply safety

To ensure that the blood supply is safe to use in the blood bank, all blood donors must go through a stringent medical screening process.

This includes temperature checking and a declaration of their health and travel history.

Any donors with fever or respiratory symptoms, or both, are not allowed to give blood.

According to HSA's website, anyone who has just returned to Singapore from mainland China, South Korea, and Iran has to wait 14 days before they can donate blood.

Those who have visited any parts of Italy have to wait 28 days before being eligible to donate blood, in view of the additional West Nile Virus risk.

This process is meant to ensure that blood donors are healthy and well before donating blood.

Recovered Covid-19 patients not allowed to donate blood

As a precautionary measure, individuals who are infected with Covid-19 and have recovered from the virus are currently not allowed to donate blood.

The HSA spokesperson added that they will review the position when more information is available on when it is safe for HSA to accept donations from these individuals.

Blood donors who become unwell within two weeks of their donation are also reminded to call HSA's 24-hour toll-free line 1800 226 3320 immediately.

HSA will then stop their donated blood from being transfused to patients.

Four blood types are running low

The blood bank is currently in need of A-, B-, O- and AB- blood types.

Here are some general criteria to qualify as a blood donor if you are keen to donate:

• Be in general good health.
• Not have had any symptoms of infection e.g. sore throat, cough, runny nose or diarrhoea for at least one week.
• Not have had a fever in the last four weeks.
• Not have taken medication, herbal supplements or traditional herbal remedies for at least three days. If you have taken antibiotics, wait at least one week.
• 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.

You can check whether you are eligible to donate blood before making an appointment here.

Top photo via Google Maps/Hux Siah and Red Cross website