Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) joined with the Chaoyang Blood Administration Center to hold a community blood drive at the Expat Show Beijing during the 4th-6th of April. This effort was made to increase the stockpile of blood for the summer of 2008, with emphasis on the Rh-negative type, which is rare in China.

With over 500,000 foreign visitors expected this summer, Beijing is under pressure to ensure that its blood reserves are prepared to meet the increased demand. The shortage of the Rh-negative blood type is a special concern, as it is only present in 0.3% of Han Chinese. In Western countries, this blood type is much more common and can be found in 15% of the population.

Rhesus (Rh) refers to a blood group antigen that is present on the surface of red cells. The presence or absence of this antigen is known as the Rh factor. People who have the antigen are Rh-positive, while those who lack it are Rh-negative. In transfusions, it is crucial that both the donor and the recipient have the same type of Rh.

Over 140 volunteer donors attending the Expat Show Beijing donated more than 227 units (200 ml per unit) of blood. 17 Rh-negative donors were among the volunteers. According to Dr. Sun Fei, Chairperson of the United Family Hospital Laboratory, the blood collected at the Expat Show will go to the Beijing Red Cross. The Rh-negative blood from the blood drive will be frozen so it can be used this summer.

“This blood is being used for medical care during the Olympic Games.” Dr. Sun said.

Dr. Sun explained that Beijing’s need for Rh-negative blood comes from not only the shortage of Han Chinese donors, but also from the difficulties potential foreign donors face.

“Many foreigners have difficulties with the language and finding the proper place [to donate],” Dr. Sun said. “If you speak Chinese, many shopping centers have blood drive buses where you can donate. The Red Cross Blood Center also has a special room for healthy donors.”

Foreigners who want to donate their blood in Beijing can look to periodic blood drives that are held by BJU, such as the one at the Expat Show. According to Dr. Sun, this blood drive will be BJU’s 28th since 2002.

“Every year, BJU holds 2-7 blood drive activities,” Dr. Sun said. “In the past 6 years there have been more than 619 donors, 74 of them Rh-negative.”

People living in Beijing with Rh-negative blood aren’t in any danger if they need a transfusion. According to Dr. Sun, every blood center has a supply of frozen Rh-negative blood in case of an emergency. The current collection of Rh-negative blood is to meet the demand of the foreign visitors this summer.