PRC-SM Foundation partnership streamlines testing, improves donor experience

SM Foundation and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Quezon City Chapter have opened a new blood center clinical laboratory equipped with modern testing capabilities and donation facilities.

The World Health Organization reported in 2016 that despite increased blood collections globally, low-income countries continue to struggles to meet their healthcare systems' blood requirements. This shortfall stresses the need for strengthened collection strategies and infrastructure development.

Collaborating for social good, the SM Foundation and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Quezon City Chapter have opened a new blood laboratory equipped with modern testing capabilities and donation facilities. The center aims to streamline blood collection and testing processes in response to ongoing blood supply challenges.

The new facility performs key procedures, including platelet apheresis, which collects platelet components from individual donors. These platelets serve patients undergoing cancer treatments, major surgeries, organ transplantation, and those with bleeding disorders, aplastic anemia, and severe thrombocytopenia.

The new laboratory prioritizes the safety and comfort of its patients and client. The revamped includes a reception area and a designated area for extraction.

Located in a former warehouse space revamped by the SM Foundation, the laboratory enables the blood center to process donation requests and complete testing procedures at a single location. This consolidation eliminates the previous requirement for donors to visit external laboratories for complete blood count tests.

Prioritizing the safety and comfort of clients and patients, the facility includes a reception area with furniture, designated areas for extraction, a room with specialized equipment for blood component segregation and on-site testing procedures. The laboratory adds to the PRC Quezon City Chapter's capacity to serve blood donation needs in the community.

Located in a former warehouse space revamped by the SM Foundation, the laboratory enables the blood center to process donation requests and complete testing procedures at a single location.

The blood center's opening follows the opening of other SM Foundation health centers in the Schools Division Office (SDO) Wellness Center for Teachers & Employees and Krus na Ligas Health Center, both in Quezon City.