Where to donate blood in Luxembourg and what are the donors requirements
You can donate blood in Luxembourg at the Red Cross office. The organization is the main provider of blood for medical institutions as well as for victims of natural disasters.
How many people you can help
Once you donate blood, you can help at least three people, the organization claims. Once the blood is collected, it is separated into plasma, red blood cells and platelets. Then the components are transfused to those in need. During the pandemic, for example, the most needed blood was plasma with antibodies. This practice has been common in many countries.
What requirements apply to donors
However, not everyone can become a donor. Because the process is risky and stressful on the body, candidates must meet certain requirements:
- Age between 18 and 60 years old;
- Weight of at least 50 kg, for those weighing less, only plasma donation is available;
- Good health.
It is also important to understand that in addition to these conditions, there are other restrictions that are designed to keep the recipient and the donor safe. For example, you cannot donate blood if:
- You are going to travel. There is a risk of infection;
- You have a recent tattoo, piercing or recent illness;
- You lived in the UK for 12 months or more between 1980 and 1996. This is related to the cow rabies disease virus;
- After starting a relationship with a new partner, the donation should be delayed for 12 months.
Where you can donate blood
The Luxembourg Red Cross accepts donors either at its Transfusion Centre at 42, boulevard Joseph II, L-1840 Luxembourg, or at external blood collection points. Their addresses are:
- In Wiltz: 21 Rue du Dix Septembre, 9560 Wiltz, Luxembourg;
- In Marbourg: 1 Marbuergerstrooss, 9764 Marbourg Maarnech Klierf, Luxembourg;
- In Ettelbruck: 1 Av. J-F Kennedy, 9053 Ettelbruck, Luxembourg;
- In Colpach-Bas (Ell commune): 1 Am Schlasspark, 8527 Colpach-Bas Ell, Luxembourg;
- In Echternach: 56 Rue André Duchscher, 6434 Echternach, Luxembourg;
- In Esch-sur-Alzette: 3 Av. du Swing, Esch-Belval Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg;
- In Grevenmacher, at the stadium: Rue du Stade, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg.
Of course, you can also donate blood at your workplace. To do this, the company management should contact the Red Cross and invite specialists with equipment to the office.
Why it's important
Blood donation saves lives, that's a fact. However, even that is not as important as the fact that blood supplies are unfortunately not infinite. The Red Cross is regularly reporting a shortage of supplies, which are being actively used by hospitals in the Grand Duchy.
Not so long ago, the Red Cross was once again appealing to the public to donate blood for the benefit of those in need. If you are thinking about donating blood — contact the organization and have an initial examination by a doctor. They will help you determine your suitability as a donor and give you some advice before the procedure.