In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, quarantine raised fears of a drop in the number of blood donations. The week of the start of confinement, March 17, the EFS (French Blood Establishment) noted a drop of 30% in the number of donations.

This can have serious consequences, because the reserves are not inexhaustible, as Michèle Villemur, doctor in charge of organizing collections at the EFS in Île-de-France reminds us: "Blood products have a limited shelf life , 42 days for red blood cells and 7 days for platelets. "

It is therefore essential that donors are collected every day. And for these collections to continue despite the confinement linked to the coronavirus, practical information must circulate: the French always have the right to go out to donate blood.

Donate blood during confinement: instructions for use

To do this, simply check the "Assistance to vulnerable persons" box on the certificate of derogatory displacement. It is better to make an appointment via the EFS website or by calling a collection site near you than to come directly to the site. On the day of the appointment, it is important to have your ID with you.

To donate blood, you must be in good health, be between 18 and 70 years old and weigh at least 50 kilos. After a coronavirus infection, you have to wait 28 days to be able to donate.

Donating can be an opportunity to support caregivers during this pandemic period, and to develop a good habit to keep even afterwards. Because Michèle Villemur emphasizes: "We need blood donations all year round". One donation can save three lives.

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