Blood Transfusion Services is overseen by the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS)
Vision
The NBTS will be the National Coordinator for a safe, adequate, sustainable and equitable supply of blood and blood products, based on 100% voluntary, non-remunerated blood donations within Trinidad and Tobago.
Mission
To transform the NBTS into the central reference centre for safe and adequate blood services within an Integrated Blood Network that is based on 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donations. The NBTS collects, screens and distributes a safe, adequate supply of blood and blood components (such as plasma, red blood cells and platelets) to meet the medical needs of the country. It is the only authorized blood collection agency in Trinidad and Tobago. There are six (6) blood collection centres located at the major hospitals across Trinidad and Tobago and a Mobile Unit.
Port-of-Spain General Hospital – 160 Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain
Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex – Uriah Butler Highway, Champs Fleurs
Sangre Grande Hospital – Ojoe Road, Sangre Grande
Scarborough General Hospital – Connector Road, Signal Hill, Scarborough, Tobago
San Fernando General Hospital – Paradise Pasture, Independence Avenue, San Fernando
Point Fortin Area Hospital – Volunteer Road, Mahaica Road, Point Fortin
Trinidad and Tobago blood donation
In Trinidad and Tobago, just over 20,000 units of blood are donated by the members of the public annually. However, the WHO recommends that we should collect one unit for every 20 people every year. Given the size of our population, we actually need 70,000 units of blood per year. The need for blood is increasing in Trinidad and Tobago and young people can make an important contribution by donating blood and by recruiting other young people to become donors.
Who can donate blood?
The Ministry of Health is appealing to all persons who eligible to donate blood to become a voluntary blood donor. Donated blood from just one (1) person could save up to three (3) lives. A person is eligible to be a voluntary blood donor if:
He/she is in general good health.
He/she is between the ages of 18 and 65.
He/she weighs more than one hundred and ten (110) pounds.
How can I donate blood?
Blood can be donated by anyone meeting the health criteria for donating blood:
Visit any of our Blood Bank Services
Fill out a registration form and an interview will be conducted.
For you own safety, you will be asked for information: your medical history and a mini-medical examination will be done.
If you are selected to make a donation, your blood will be tested for certain infections before use, including HIV, Viral Hepatitis B and C, HTLVI, Syphilis and Chagas Disease.
You will be notified in the event of a positive result for any of these tests. Your blood is also tested for haemoglobin concentration.
A nurse (trained Phlebotomist) will draw your blood. There is a 15-minute mandatory rest period after giving blood before you are allowed to leave the centre.
Contact
Port of Spain – NWRHA Phone: 624 – 7524
San Fernando – SWRHA Phone: 652 – 1121
EWMSC – NCRHA Phone: 645-3232 Ext. 2008
Point Fortin – SWRHA Phone: 225 – 4325 Ext 14114
Sangre Grande – ERHA Phone: 668 – 2273
Tobago – TRHA Phone: 639 – 2551, 683 – 0932, 660 – 4744 Ext. 3099
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