With a dengue epidemic, Hemocentro do DF operates at just 60% of the ideal

Since the beginning of the year, the volume of blood donations has been decreasing, and the Hemocentro Foundation of Brasília is operating at just 60% of ideal capacity to meet the needs of the public health network in the Federal District and partner hospitals. In addition to presenting only 42% of strategic stock capacity.

About that, The demand for transfusions has increased, especially due to the dengue epidemic. The Federal District recorded 290 deaths from the disease and more than 239,600 probable cases in 2024 aloneaccording to the Ministry of Health.

Just to get an idea, andn February, 3,101 platelet transfusions were performedwith around 30% of them intended for dengue patients.

The disease also affects the donation part, aseven in mild cases, dengue prevents the population from being able to be donors.

OAnother factor that increases the urgency of donations is that platelets, which are one of the blood components obtained, are only valid for five days.

Currently, the Blood Center receives an average of 127 blood donations per day, while the ideal would be to collect 180 bags daily to keep the stock at safe levels.

The Blood Center needs donations for all blood types, but blood stocks of groups O+, O- and AB- are particularly low. It is very important for the population to donate blood to save lives, as anyone can need it, including someone we love..

How to Donate

Since March, It is no longer necessary to schedule blood donations in the afternoon. Thus, donors can go directly to the hospital between 2pm and 6pm.

However, in the morning, from 7:15 am, from Monday to Saturday, it is still necessary to make an appointment, which can be done via the website agenda.df.gov.br or by calling 160 option 2 or 0800 644 0160.

A Hemocentro de Brasília Foundation It is located in the North Hospital Medical Sector. However, thinking about the population outside the Plano Piloto, the space will also provide a mobile collection unit. The first action will be in Águas Claras, on May 7th.

Who can donate

To donate blood, you must be between 16 and 69 years old, weigh more than 51 kg and be in good health, as well as well fed and hydrated.

Those who have undergone surgery, endoscopic examination or have recently had illnesses are recommended to consult the Hemocentro website to check their eligibility.

In the case of dengue fever, it is necessary to wait 30 days after the symptoms disappear before donating blood. For cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever, the waiting period is six months. If there was sexual contact with people who had dengue fever in the last 30 days, it is necessary to wait 30 days since the last relationship.

People with the flu must wait 15 days after their symptoms have stopped to donate blood.

For those who have had Covid-19, it is necessary to wait 10 days after the symptoms end, as long as there are no consequences. If the infection was asymptomatic, the waiting period is counted from the date of the examination.