Giving the Gift of Life: Blood Donation at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station

I'm reposting this blog again as I hope my readers will be inspired to donate blood. Last month, Singapore blood bank urged Singaporeans and residents to donate blood as Singapore blood bank is running low amid the coronavirus. Recently I was down with cough and flu and thus have not donated blood for some time. Think I should boost my immune system so I can donate blood again. 

As reported in Straits Times, "The Singapore Red Cross noted last Friday that stocks for the common blood types A+, B+, O+ and AB+ were at critical levels and donations were "urgently" needed." 

Below blog was first posted on 15 April 2016.

If you are healthy, why not donate blood to help those in need? In Singapore, Bloodbanks are set up at MRT station; for example at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, in the heart of Orchard Road to make it convenient for blood donation. Recently, I started to donate blood. Initially it was for personal reason. But then on seeing that blood is needed to save lives, I thought why not since I can help people.

In the process of donating blood, I said a silent prayer that whoever receive my blood, will enjoy speedy recovery. I agree with Masaru Emoto, a Japanese author and researcher who said "human thoughts and words have impact on the molecular structure of water." Indeed in his research, words like "Thank you" and "Beautiful" will create beautiful water crystal pattern seem under a microscope. I truly hope whoever receive my blood will recover soon. 

Truth to be told, I'm really scared of needles. Even now, I dare not watch the insertion of needle or tube to my arm. I always close my eyes whenever they insert the tube. I didn't feel much pain at all. In fact the whole process (6 steps process) from filling the form to donating the blood took less than 50 minutes. Well most probably I donated during off-peak period on a weekday afternoon. 

After filling out the form, I waited for the staff to go through the registration form and to check my identity card. 

Next during the medical screening process,there is a doctor who went through the questionnaire with me to ensure I understood the questions and to take my temperature and blood pressure. After checking my blood pressure is at a healthy level and no fever, then he endorsed the donation. Next I have to wait for another staff to check my blood level during haemoglobin test. After verifying it's at healthy level, then I could donate. 

I was told to press the rubber ball to let the blood flow faster. The actual blood donation from the time my blood flowed to the bag took less than 5 minutes in my case.  Of course it varies person from person. Some people take longer time as their blood vein is thinner. In less than 5 minutes, I donated 450 ml of blood. After the blood donation, the staff wrapped a pink banner (I can choose the colour) around my arm and advised me to wear it for 3 to 4 hours. She advised me to rest and drink water. 

After blood donation, I went to the refreshment area to help myself with my favourite milo drink and to rest for a while before I head to Ngee Ann city to read at a bookstore there. 

Blood donation is really fuss-free and easy. Besides Bloodbank@Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, there are three other Bloodbanks at Woodland, Westgate and Health Science Authority near Outram MRT station. 

How to go to Bloodbank@Dhoby Ghaut MRT station?

Dhoby Xchange (Near Exit B)
#B1-05 to 10
11 Orchard Road
Singapore 238826

Just walk to Exit B at Dhoby Ghaut MRT which is next to the food court. 

Blood donation in a bright and cheery place.

The whole blood donation process in six steps took me less than 50 minutes on a Friday afternoon.

Operating hours at Bloodbank@Dhoby Ghaut

You are encouraged to drink more water before and after blood donation.

Lots of energy drink like Milo and H2O and biscuits to replenish your energy.

Data from Health Science Authority

You can view daily blood stock at Redcross Sg website here. 

I received my cute blood donor card!