Blood type O

[tamada]

There are frequent threads requesting type O blood for medical emergencies, mostly involving foreigners. These medical emergencies can be due to accidents but can be essential for a major operation or surgery.

How many members here don't know their blood type?

Those that do and are type O, do you know how scarce this blood type is in Thailand?

If you know you are type O and are aware how scarce it is, do you do anything to mitigate the risks?

[Khun Paul]

Years ago while working for a TV Company based in Udon, I did do a piece on Blood groups and highlighted the scarcity of O Rhesus negative being the only Blood group that can give to anyone but also its downside is that ONLY O Neg can receive O Neg.

Since then I have often campaigned including with the then Chief medical Officer to change Thai Medical mindset allowing All foreigners despite age,providing they are healthy being able to give blood especially the elusive O Neg.
Derided by many on here and losing the battle with the Thai Red CROSS who also added the Mad Cow Disease as another reason not to accept blood, it was a losing battle. Now too old according to all parties and having O neg myself, one does worry, but my choice to remain here, I will take the risk .

[rick]

I used to donate in the UK, O rhesus positive. I did try to donate once at Nong Prajak but was declined, age and Mad cow probable reasons. Too old now anyway.

[tamada]

With regard to the latest urgent request for O type, apparently UGS have removed the "mad cow" restrictions with only 60 for first time and 70 for previous donors being the age cap. Hope it's not a one-off waiver.