Preparation tips before donation:
To ensure a smooth and safe blood donation experience, please follow these tips:
- Be in Good Health: Ensure you are free from symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty in breathing etc.
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Meet the Weight Requirement: You must weigh at least 45kg.
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Sufficient sleep: Get at least 5 hours of sleep on the night before.
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Eat a Meal: Have a proper meal 4 hours before donating.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink adequate amount of water.
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Bring Your Identification: Carry your ID card, driving license, or passport with your donation certificate (if any) for registration.
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Interval between donations: last blood donation should be at least 3 months ago.
Detailed guide can be assessed through [link to the pdf file - guidelines for prospective donor]
After donation tips
Follow these tips to recover quickly and stay healthy after donating blood:
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Snacks and Drinks Provided: Enjoy the light refreshments available at the donation site.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid Alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours.
- Limit Sun Exposure: Minimize prolonged exposure to direct sunlight temporarily to reduce the risk of dehydration.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting or Strenuous Exercise: Do not lift heavy objects or engage in intense physical activities for 6–8 hours to prevent swelling or bruising at the donation site.
- Rest if Dizzy: If you feel lightheaded or faint, stop any activity immediately. Sit or lie down until you feel better.
Your care after donation is as important as the donation itself. Thank you for making a difference!
Blood Donation Services
Located at Sunway Medical Centre Penang, Level 2 Laboratory
Blood Donation Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm
Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
For inquiries or to schedule a donation, please contact us through 04-373 5837 or 04-373 5834.
We run mobile blood donation campaigns in collaboration with organizations, bringing donation opportunities directly to your event or location. Our fully equipped mobile units ensure a safe, efficient, and convenient experience for donors. Contact us to partner and host a blood donation drive that can save lives in your community.
For collaboration, please contact us through 04-373 5834.
For more information, refer to [link to the pdf file - guidelines for blood donation drive organizers]
At our Transfusion Medicine Lab, we ensure the safe and compatible transfusion of blood products to patients. Here’s how we carry out the process:
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Blood Typing and Antibody Screening
We start by determining the patient's blood type (ABO and Rh) through blood typing. We also screen for any antibodies that might be present in the patient’s blood, which could cause rejection of transfused blood. This step ensures we select suitable blood products for the patient. -
Compatibility Testing and blood screening
After identifying the blood type and potential antibodies, we perform crossmatching. This involves mixing the patient’s blood with the donor’s blood to confirm compatibility and ensure that the transfusion will be safe.
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Careful Blood Component Selection
Based on the patient’s medical needs, as assessed by the doctor, the appropriate blood component—whether red blood cells, platelets, or plasma—will be supplied. This ensures that the transfusion effectively addresses the specific condition, such as anemia or clotting disorders. Additionally, all donor units are screened for HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis by both serology and nucleic acid testing (NAT) to ensure the safety of the transfused blood.
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Leukoreduction
To enhance transfusion safety, we perform leukoreduction, which removes white blood cells from blood products. This further reduces the risk of immune reactions and complications. -
Continuous Monitoring and Quality Control
We carefully monitor the storage, handling, and transportation of blood products, ensuring they are maintained in optimal conditions. Regular quality control checks ensure the highest standards of safety and effectiveness are met.
Through these meticulous processes, our lab ensures that patients receive the compatible and safe blood products, helping them recover with minimal risk.