Chen Wencong's appeal for blood - Please don't abuse blood donors.

A screenshot of the Facebook post that went viral, Tan Boon Chong is his other dialect name on our national ID card.


I was outraged when it came out on the news today.




According to Donorweb.org, which is used by Singaporean donors to check for blood supplies if there is a need for them, have enough supplies for patients, and yes, there was enough supply, so why the big fuss? Do you think only this ex-actor needs blood transfusions?



But whether if there is enough of AB-, I do not know, but what I know is, only AB+ have the pros of obtaining every single blood type, whereas AB- may only receive from every negative blood types.

If you haven't noticed, they only mentioned "AB" and not which type of AB required. I tried informing them, instead I got told off.



Oh ya, I even doubled checked whois data if the website is even managed, yes, HSA and Singapore Redcross is involved. I guess Zhang Zhen Huan isn't a donor himself.



Also, the viral post on Facebook wasn't even informative enough, it has caused confusion among people.


Ok, let's get it right this time, there are 2 bloodbanks in Singapore.

Also there are constantly blood mobiles around Singapore for your convenience, check donorweb.org for schedules around Singapore.

Bloodbank@HSA
Blood Services Group
Health Sciences Authority (opposite Outram Park MRT Station)
11 Outram Road
Singapore 169078

Bloodbank@Woodlands
900 SOUTH WOODLANDS DRIVE
#05-07 WOODLANDS CIVIC CENTRE (opposite Causeway Point)
Singapore 730900


Ok, let's get to the point.

Registered blood donors, like me, will get notified if there is a need for our blood urgently via SMS from the Singapore Red Cross, we will only receive it once our blood cycle is up.

Occasionally, blood donors do get rejected for various reasons such as,

1. Blood iron levels dangerously high
2. Blood iron levels dangerously low
3. Blood pressure not good
4. You've just recovered from a fever

or, you might get rejected simply because there is too much of your blood type in stock.

There are currently 2 types of blood donation that I know of in Singapore

• Whole Blood - consisting of whatever is in your blood, platelets, red blood cells. You may only donate once every cycle, which is 12weeks.
• Platelets(Apheresis) - Extraction of platelets from your blood, you may donate up to 12times a year.

Because platelets only have a shelf life of up to a week, blood/platelets donated must be used within the period, hence, any sudden number of donors showing up is unnecessary.

If you create something viral to get people to donate blood, you know what? You are being very irresponsible. What if hundreds/thousands of first-time donors were to show up just because of this article, do you think it's good for anyone working in the medical field? Good for any patients? People might even avoid blood donation forever if they get rejected, especially for the reason of "having too much of this blood type stock".

The facebook post didn't even mentioned which hospital the actor is at, which ward or bed, and most importantly, the exact blood type. But that's not important.

Most importantly, don't abuse us blood donors, do you think it's easy for us? The big needles and the need to keep our blood and body healthy, particularly blood iron levels. And note, don't be selfish, not just Chen Wencong needs blood ok.

Blood donation can be a fun process, Read my previous blog post here, do also read more about blood donation here on HSA's website, be sure to double check blood stock levels before you head down!


Anyways 2months ago I've completed my 5/6th cycle, I've lost track, but I did claim my medal!




*UPDATE* Sunday 30th october 1:59pm

Almost forgot about something, since Ex-actor Chen Wencong is having leukemia now, what he needs most now is a bone marrow donation, do register with BMDP(Bone Marrow Donor Programme) if you are interested in donating your bone marrow!