China issues new regulation on blood donation

China's Ministry of Health on Monday publicized a regulation on blood donation to ensure tighter management of local blood stations and the physical health of donors.

The regulation sets out detailed rules on lab testing, the storage and transportation of blood plasma and the timely reporting of any adverse reactions.

It stresses that donation points should encourage people in the community to donate blood.

Donors must provide their ID cards and photographs, and undergo physical checkups and blood tests before giving blood. They will be given a donation serial number which cannot be used by others and the record of the donor must be kept for ten years.

The regulation applies to all local blood plasma collection stations which should ensure they meet the criteria by June 30, 2007, according to the ministry.

Source: Xinhua