A single blood donation can help up to three people, explains the Red Cross: “Its main components, namely red blood cells, platelets and plasma are separated after collection and can each be transfused to a different person, depending on their needs.”
To donate blood in Luxembourg, you must meet the following criteria:
There are exceptions to donating blood. As a result of the mad cow disease, donation is prohibited for people who have resided for more than 12 months in the United Kingdom between 1980 and 1996.
In the event of a trip to certain regions of the world, including Europe, donating must also be postponed by a few days due to the risk of infections (dengue fever, chikungunya, etc.). A recent illness, a piercing or a tattoo are also reasons for postponing blood donation.
Finally, note that certain sexual practices are considered a greater risk. In particular when in a new relationship with a person, or when having sexual relations between men. For the latter, donation must be postponed for 12 months.
You may fill out a medical questionnaire by the Red Cross to identify possible exceptions.
Luxembourg’s main blood collection site is the Red Cross Blood Transfusion Centre. It is located at 42, boulevard Joseph II in Luxembourg City. If this is your first donation, call 27 55 4000 to make an appointment. A doctor will see you and give you advice.
Mobile collections are also organised each day. The full list is available here.
The number of blood donations per year are limited:
Plasma donations can be done every month for both men and women.
In 2021, more than 10,000 people donated blood. But there is always a drop in the holiday period.
“We are structured in such way that the stock is able to meet the needs of the country’s hospitals,” explains Dr Anne Schuhmacher, medical director of the Luxembourg Red Cross Blood Transfusion Centre. “But after a few years of slight decline in needs, we are facing a steady increase in requests. This is quite normal: a number of operations or treatments that had been postponed at the height of the pandemic have been rescheduled. So the needs have increased.”
According to Vincent Ruck-Hechenberger, spokesman for the Red Cross, stocks are currently “in the low average” but are not “worrying”. Donations are therefore welcome but not considered urgent: no need to come immediately if you plan on making an appointment soon.
A word of advice, however: if you are traveling abroad this summer, remember to donate your blood before departure. This will avoid a possible precautionary period taken in the event of a stay in a country at risk.
