‘We always need new donors’ say medics manning UAE blood banks

Rare blood types are in demand at Dubai Blood Donation Centre, but strict rules to keep patients safe mean not everyone can be a donor.

A recent illness, course of medication or a family history of a blood disorder could rule out a potential donor.

Those who lived in the UK between 1986 and 2001 are also not allowed to give blood in the UAE. This is because of reported cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease. Although rare, the disease can be passed to people who have eaten infected meat.

Those who visited areas affected by malaria within the past two months are also not permitted to donate blood in the UAE.

Dr Mai Raouf, director of the Dubai Blood Donation Centre said: “We are in demand for all blood types, but negative blood groups are less common so are in greater demand.

“Blood lasts for only 42 days so we always need donors to come forward to replenish these stocks.

“The priority is governed by the clinical case of the patient, whether in a government or private hospital.

“Those in greater need will always have priority.”

According to Dubai Health Authority, only 0.6 per cent of the UAE population are AB negative, 1.8 per cent are B negative, 2.4 per cent are A negative and 4 per cent are O negative.

O positive is the most common blood type and is found in 38.6 per cent of the population.

People can give blood every eight weeks, with each donation potentially saving up to three lives.

Platelet collections are also important to help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or those recovering from surgery who have suffered blood loss.

Platelets can be donated up to 24 times a year.

The blood donor centre at Latifa Hospital is open from 7am until 7pm daily, with two mobile buses arranging blood collections in Dubai from schools, businesses and religious centres.

Potential donors can assess their suitability via a mobile app called Dami.

“As a community we need to recognise that blood is necessary to save lives – it is a constant need and donating blood is a humanitarian deed,” Dr Raouf said.