The Ministry of Health yesterday publicized a regulation on blood donations to ensure firmer management of local blood stations and the physical well-being of donors.

The regulation sets out detailed rules on lab testing, storage and transportation of blood plasma and timely reporting of any adverse reactions. It stresses that donation points should encourage people in the community to give blood.

Donors must provide their ID cards and photographs, and undergo physical checkups and blood tests before donating. They'll be given a unique donation serial number that cannot be used by others, and the record of a donor must be kept for 10 years.

The regulation applies to all local blood plasma collection stations that should ensure they meet the criteria by June 30, 2007, according to the ministry.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2006)