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People can donate blood every eight weeks, and platelets up to 24 times a year (Supplied)
Residents, especially those who have rare blood groups, are encouraged to register with the Dubai Blood Donation Centre, said a top health official.
“I would like to encourage people to put their names in our database so that we can contact them according to the demand and supply,” said Dr Mai Raouf, director of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) run Dubai Blood Donation Centre.
This is especially important for rare blood group donors, she added.
“It is important to understand that blood expires every 42 days; platelets (which are needed mainly for cancer patients and those experiencing bleeding due to an accident or surgical procedure) expire in just five days. Therefore, we prefer to have regular donors who register with us and who can be contacted depending on the need.”
She added that in line with international standards, at all times, a certain amount of all blood and platelets are stored at the centre.
In addition to blood, the centre needs donors for platelets. “People can donate blood every eight weeks, and platelets up to 24 times a year.
“With each blood donation, you can potentially save up to three lives.
“Regular blood donation takes 15 minutes, while platelet collection takes 45 minutes to one hour. Platelets have the shortest shelf life, just five days. Therefore, we need to educate people above the importance of platelet donation.”
Dr Raouf also encouraged the community to continue donating during the Holy Month of Ramadan. “The centre will be open after Iftar so that people who are fasting also have an opportunity to donate blood. We will also hold regular blood donation campaigns.”
The DHA recently launched the ‘BE THE 1’ blood donation campaign in partnership with Real Madrid football star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Blood Donation Centre is accredited by AABB and follows the highest level of quality standards for blood collection, processing and storage. It is located in the premises of Latifa Hospital and individuals interested to donate blood may contact 04 2193221. The centre also has a dedicated phone-line (04-2193769) for donors interested in platelet donation.
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