Seyed Mohammad Shahzadeh Safavi, the Director General of Public Relations at the Blood Transfusion Organization, announced new changes in blood donation laws, reporting that the age limit for blood donation has been raised to over 65 years. This change is aimed at meeting the ongoing needs of medical centers for blood and blood products.
Ongoing Need for Blood
The need for blood is a continuous and constant requirement. Many patients, including those with thalassemia, cancer patients, and victims of traffic accidents, rely on blood transfusions and its products. Shahzadeh Safavi stated in this regard: "Blood and its products are not items with long-term storage capabilities, and each has a limited expiration date. For example, platelets can only be stored for up to 3 days."
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Current Status of Blood Reserves in the Country
The Director General of Public Relations at the Blood Transfusion Organization assessed the current status of blood reserves in the country, stating: "Currently, the status of blood reserves is manageable, but we are still far from ideal conditions." He also referred to experiences from previous years, noting that with the onset of autumn and winter and the drop in temperatures, the level of donor participation usually decreases. This decline can lead to a mismatch between consumption and donation during the cold season.
Shahzadeh Safavi warned about the increased likelihood of traffic accidents in the winter season, stating: "Given the slippery roads and weather conditions, the likelihood of traffic accidents and consequently the need for blood increases. If demand rises while the number of donors decreases, this cycle will become unstable."
Call for Blood Donation
He urged all eligible citizens to rush to the nearest blood transfusion centers to assist patients. Shahzadeh Safavi also mentioned the age conditions for donors, stating that 17-year-olds can donate blood with parental consent and a health approval from a doctor. Additionally, individuals aged 18 and above can donate blood without needing parental consent.
He noted that the previous age limit of 65 years has been adjusted, and now the age for donation is determined based on the individual's overall health and the doctor's approval from the organization. Thus, if the individual's physical condition is favorable, the possibility of blood donation for older age groups is also provided.
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