Blood Donation in Australia

The Australian Red Cross is working with the country’s Defence Force on more effective methods to freeze Australian blood for their troops engaged in distant conflicts. Cryopreservation that involves freezing and thawing blood and blood products without tampering with its integrity, is being researched, reported the Executive Director of Red Cross Blood Service, Dr. David Irving. This will help in developing the ‘frozen chain’ of blood services to their soldiers in far off war zones. “Once the system is developed and the logistics for transportation are finalised, then, as long as there is a frozen chain from the source of freezing to the source of utilisation, it (the blood) can be kept for some time, and some distance,” he said.

At present, blood is sourced from the US and European nations. The research being done will help Australians to look after their own men fighting in wars. Dr. Irving appreciated loyal donors and said that the thought of supporting their troops would motivate them further.



Source-Medindia