KISTEP participated in the blood donation to help resolve the blood shortage problem due to the COVID-19.
We appreciate each of the staffs in taking their time to participate in the blood donation with a noble heart.



The blood donation was conducted following strict hygiene and quarantine standards. There is no need to worry about being infected with the novel coronavirus during the blood donation. (Please see bellowed FAQ for further information)



< FAQ on Blood Donation and COVID-19>

Q: What kind of virus is the novel coronavirus?
A: The virus belongs to the family of coronavirus, a RNA virus, and transmitted between animals and humans. There are six types of viruses that can be transmitted to humans, four of which cause cold-like symptoms, and the other two are known as MERS coronavirus and SARS coronavirus. The novel coronavirus has been found to match bat-derived SARS-like viruses by 89.1%.
 
Q: How does it spread?
A: When a coronavirus infected patient coughs or sneezes, the droplets exposed the air can enter another person's respiratory system, or a virus on one’s hand can penetrate through the mucous membrane when touching eyes, nose, and mouth.

Q: How do we prevent from ourselves from getting infected?
A: Here are some measures you can practice: thoroughly washing hands with soap under running water; covering the mouth and nose with sleeves when coughing and sneezing; keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth; wearing a mask when visiting a medical institution
 
Q: Is it possible for me to get infected with coronavirus by donating blood?
A: Korean Red Cross employees follow the strict infection prevention guidelines provided by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The workers are all wearing masks and practicing hand hygiene, and items are all used for one-time only. In addition, blood donation sites are disinfected once a day. You do not need to worry about coronavirus infection through blood donation.
 
Q: Is it possible for someone who visited coronavirus-infected area to donate blood?
A: Those that have traveled abroad within a month is restricted from donating blood. Those that visited coronavirus-infected areas in Korea are not under restriction, however, those with fever and respiratory symptoms (such as coughs, sore throat, etc.) cannot donate blood.

 Q: Is there anything I should be mindful of before visiting the blood donation sites?
A: Those with fever and respiratory symptoms (coughs, sore throat, etc.) will be restricted from entering the site. Please make sure to wear a mask indoors as well the outdoors and practice hand hygiene with the hand sanitizer provided. Also, please provide accurate information about travel and medical history.

 Q: What should I do if I am notified that I have been confirmed to be infected with coronavirus or in need of self-quarantine after donating blood?
A: Please contact the CRM Center of the Korean Red Cross (1600-3705) or the visited donation site.
 Q: What is the blood donated by a self-quarantined subjects or confirmed patents?
A: The blood from the self-quarantined subject is prohibited from being transfused until the quarantine measures are lifted, and that of confirmed patients is discarded.
 
Q: Is it possible for coronavirus to be transmitted through blood?
A: In general, respiratory viruses such as MERS and SARS are known to not spread by blood transfusion, and there are no reported cases of coronavirus infection via blood transfusion.
 
Q: What happens if blood of a confirmed patient is transfused?
A: If such cases are verified, the blood source will inform it to the KCDC and the KCDC will take action in accordance with the procedure for treating respiratory infections.
 
Q: Is the donation site where the confirmed patient donated blood safe?
A: We disinfect blood donation sites every day. For the blood donation site where the confirmed patient have visited, additional disinfection is carried out directly at the health center.