SINGAPORE – The age limit for first-time blood donors will be raised from 60 to 65 starting from Jan 2, as part of efforts to ensure a sustainable supply of blood for Singapore’s needs as the population ages, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Dec 22.
With the change, new donors can give blood up to one day before their 66th birthday, while repeat donors can continue to do so until the age of 75, up to one day before their 76th birthday.
“HSA data based on donors up to the current age limit of 60 years old shows that adverse reactions decrease with age among first-time donors,” the authority said in a statement.
This corroborates findings from international studies, it added.
HSA said that increasing the upper age limit for first-time donors will expand Singapore’s donor pool as the population ages, ensuring the sustainability of blood supply without compromising the safety of older donors.
“With our ageing population, it is crucial that we tap into every safe opportunity to expand our donor pool while maintaining the highest safety standards for both donors and recipients,” said Adjunct Professor Raymond Chua, chief executive of HSA.
Donors must be in general good health, free of infection symptoms and weigh at least 45kg. In addition, women have to meet minimum haemoglobin levels of 12.5g/dL, and for men, 13g/dL.
Those who have well-controlled high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes may donate blood if they have no complications arising from their conditions, HSA said, but certain medication eligibility criteria may apply.
