What changes were made to ensure the safety of donors, staff and the blood supply? If you have tested positive or have been in close contact with a COVID-19 carrier, do not donate blood for 10 days after either your test or complete resolution of symptoms.Due to the numbers of people impacted and its relatively quick spread, individuals and organizations, including Blood Bank of Hawaii, are doing their part to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like to more severe symptoms, primarily among the elderly and those with existing medical complications. What is COVID-19?ĬOVID-19 (short for coronavirus disease 2019) is a new respiratory disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus. You will not be deferred or need to wait for any period after receiving these vaccines. However, where applicable, we are modifying our workflow and operational setup to comply with DOH and CDC recommendations.Ĭan I give blood after receiving the currently available Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines? BBH procedures are already in line with best practices among blood banks.We understand and take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. BBH continues to consult with Hawaii DOH, as well as the CDC and FDA.What additional measures are being taken to ensure donor safety? Staff wear gloves while interacting with donors during the entire donation process.Before blood collection, the donor’s arm is thoroughly disinfected.All donor areas, including the reception/waiting area, canteen, history booths and donation chairs are cleaned regularly.Donor beds are cleaned between each donation.

Disinfecting wipes are placed in all donation areas.All blood bags and needles are sterile, single-use only.What procedures are already in place to ensure donor safety? We defer any donors who have a fever or are not feeling healthy and well.Our pre-donation screening process requires health/travel questions and a mini-physical exam, including a temperature check for every donor.Yes, it’s safe! You are NOT at any increased risk of contracting COVID-19 from donating blood, going to a blood center or attending a blood drive.Here are some answers to questions that you may have regarding blood donations: Is it safe for me to donate blood? We want to reassure you that at BBH, we are doing everything we can to face this challenge. As stewards of the state’s blood supply, we are concerned that COVID-19 has the potential to adversely impact the availability of the blood supply, and we want to provide the most up-to-date information. While we cannot predict blood needs, we know that a continuous and reliable supply of blood must remain available in order for hospitals to treat Hawaii’s patients. Please see FAQS below for details.īlood Bank of Hawaii is monitoring the evolving public health situation and preparing for further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Our protocols are in place to make your experience pleasant and safe. Mahalo for your understanding and helping to keep our community safe.Īs COVID-19 progresses from pandemic to endemic, Blood Bank of Hawaii CEO Kim-Anh Nguyen and our team would like to remind donors that they are considered essential and critical volunteers. We will notify you of any changes in the future. If you have had a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be asked to name the manufacturer (ex: Pfizer, Moderna, etc.) when you donate and the date of your last vaccine. I If you have tested positive or have been in close contact with a COVID-19 carrier, do not donate blood for 10 days after either your test or complete resolution of symptoms. These factors and other considerations may impact our employee, donor and visitor policy and procedures anytime. We are continuously monitoring the situation with COVID-19 in Hawaii, including the number of active cases and the number of COVID-19-positive patients hospitalized in the community. Our Component Laboratory staff will continue to wear face shields to protect against blood exposure while processing.ĭonors exhibiting symptoms should not donate and visitors with symptoms will not be able to enter the Blood Bank of Hawaii premises. Individuals who desire to wear a mask are encouraged to do so freely based on personal preference. At Blood Bank of Hawaii, the safety of our staff, donors and visitors is always our top priority.Īll staff, donors and visitors are no longer required to wear masks in administration offices, laboratories, donor centers or mobile collection sites.

Hawaii covid numbers