Steps taken to ensure blood safety in MBTS:

1. Donor selection：

   The criteria for donor selection are mainly based on the European “Guide to the preparation, use and quality assurance of blood components” and American Association of Blood Banks’ “Standard for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services”. Local criteria are also included. These criteria are updated regularly.

2. Donor Self-deferral：

   Donors have to complete a set of medical history questions before each blood donation. Donors are also given a leaflet “Post blood donation advice” which may give them an opportunity to indicate confidentially their blood might not be suitable for transfusion to others.

3. Interview and physical examination prior to donation：

   Before donation, each donor must go through an interview and physical examination by a physician. If the person is not in good health the physician will provide medical advice and treatment is given if necessary.

4. Laboratory Tests：
   1. All donations are screened for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. First time donations are also screened for human T-cell lymphotropic virus which is associated with adult T-cell lymphoma-leukemia.
   2. Blood donations are also screened for HIV RNA, HCV RNA and HBV DNA using nucleic acid testing (NAT) to shorten the viral window period and increase blood safety.
5. Donor Data Management System：

   Blood donors’ information and blood donation records are stored electronically since 1999 when MBTS started implementing a Data Management System.

During blood collection sterilized and disposal materials are used. It is impossible to contract infectious diseases through blood donation.

Testing Process Video