Shanghai has introduced an identity card checking system to prevent blood sellers from assuming other people's names to donate blood for illegal profits.

Officials of the Shanghai Blood Administration Office said the system, bought from the public security bureau, was installed at 12 local blood collection centers and 19 physical check-up clinics to identify donors.

Though the city encourages voluntary blood donation, it still imposes quotas on companies to guarantee blood supply.

"As some employees are unwilling to donate blood, some employers or staffers themselves hire 'professional' blood dealers or sellers to donate blood in order to fulfill the quota," said Song Qi, an office spokesman.

Although people are required to present their original ID cards when receiving a check or donating blood, many blood dealers and sellers use counterfeit ID cards, officials said.

Normally, the donor has to first undergo a physical check. After this is done, impostors use fake ID cards to donate blood.

The office uncovered 11 companies which hired professionals to donate blood instead of their own employees, and five such dealers have been jailed for up to two years.

The errant firms were fined between 10,000 yuan (US$1,205) and 100,000 yuan.

"Our medical staff is trained to identify ID cards. But, some fake cards are made with high technology, making it difficult to spot the difference with the naked eye," said Song.

"Since many impostors don't undergo the check, there is danger of tainted blood being donated."

The Shanghai Health Bureau requires blood collection centers to operate a reporting system in case of illegalities, to regulate blood donation and ensure safe source of the donated blood.

(Shanghai Daily November 11, 2003)