BLOOD TESTS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20231, 15 February 1934, Page 5

BLOOD TESTS.

Transfusion Service Arranged. ASHBURTON HOSPITAL. (Special to the “ Star.”) ASHBURTON, February 14. Arrangements have been completed for a blood transfusion service by the Medical Superintendent of the Ash. burton County Hospital (Dr A. J. Mason) in co-operation with the Ashburton sub-centre of the St John Ambulance Association. A list of those prepared to assist the service will be compiled by the secretary of the association (Mr W. C. J. Osman). As the volunteers offer, a blood test will be made at the hospital to ascertain to which of the four groups they belong. Donors will be required to hold themselves in readiness for the taking of blood for transfusions at any time of the day or night, but those who are free only after working hours will be listed separately. A fee will be given to each donor, who, after the blood has been given will be placed at the foot of the list in his particular group and his services therefore may not be called upon for some time again. This will depend on the number of volunteers who offer. The service will be available to local practitioners as well as the hospital. During the past twelve months there were only twelve transfusions at the public hospital and fewer carried out bv local doctors. In an interview, Dr A. J. Mason referred to the value of blood transfusions, which had been the means of saving many lives. He gave an assurance that the giving of blood left no ill effects upon the health of the donor. From a quarter of a pint to one pint of blood was taken and the quantity of blood in the average person’s body ranged from ten to fourteen pints. The blood lost was made up naturally in about three days.