5 questions about blood donation and health
New blood donors are needed in order for Finland to have a sufficient amount of blood donors now as well as in the future to secure patient care. Many people considering donating blood need information…
News and articles
A Good Samaritan on a motorcycle
For decades, a Finnish motorist association, SMOTO (Suomen Motoristit ry), has been actively encouraging its members to donate blood. Raimo Ryhtä, a motorist and active blood donor from the city of Forssa,…
Blood donors are vital for patients
Blood donors only accounted for just over 3% of all people in the donating age range in Finland last year. Over the past ten years, the proportion has decreased by approximately a percentage point. It's…
Check out the annual report 2023
How did we manage to take care of Finland's blood supply last year? In the Blood Service's new annual report 2023, you will find key figures and statistics, as well as reviews of the most important changes…
The application period for Blood Service research grants for 2024 is now open
The application period for 2024 grants from the Blood Service Research Fund has opened to researchers. The purpose of the grants is to support research related to current and future Blood Service products…
The Blood Service begins testing blood donors for hepatitis E
The Blood Service has started testing blood donors for hepatitis E as hepatitis E infections have increased in Finland in the beginning of this year. There have been no reported cases of hepatitis E transmitted…
Jari Martelin to lead the FRCBS production laboratory
Jari Martelin has been appointed as the new laboratory director of the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service (FRCBS) production laboratory. He will start his position on May 6, 2024.
Patients still need help from blood donors over Easter
It is important that enough donors lend a helping hand on the days leading up to and immediately after Easter. The Blood Service centres are closed on Good Friday March 29th but open on Easter Monday,…
More and more work communities are allowing blood donation during working hours
Launched a year ago by the Blood Service, the Workplace Certificate has already been implemented in more than 250 workplaces. The certificate recognises work communities that allow members to donate blood…
An expired ID card cannot be used for identification when donating blood from 1st of March 2024
As of 1st of March 2024, blood donors can only verify their identity with a valid ID. For example, an expired passport is no longer sufficient to prove identity.
Plasma donations started at Blood Service
Blood Service resumes plasma collection after a break of several years. Plasma can be donated at the Blood Service’s Vantaa unit.
Legislative amendment to affect the operations of the Blood Service Biobank
The act regulating the operations of biobanks will change at the beginning of 2024. No new members will be able to join the Blood Service Biobank during January-February 2024.