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.