Chinese Teen Boy Dies After Drawing Blood 16 Times For Money

Part-Time Blood Bank Donor Ends in Tragedy
Teen Boy Dies After Donating Blood 16 Times for Approximately $45

A teenager who participated in blood donation programs suddenly passed away. His family has acknowledged financial difficulties.

On March 20, Chinese media outlets, including The Paper, and local social media were filled with debates about the cause of death of 19-year-old Zao Wei, who lived in Xinzhoushi, Shanxi Province, China.

Zao Wei passed away on January 15. According to his family, their son started working at a PC cafe at the end of last year but complained about feeling unwell at the beginning of January.

They continued, “He initially exhibited cold-like symptoms, and we obtained medication from a pharmacy. Over the next few days, he continued eating and sleeping as usual. However, on January 15, his condition worsened. He became unable to swallow food and lost consciousness. Sadly, by the time medical help arrived, he had passed away.”

While sorting through Zao Wei’s belongings, the family discovered a bundle of receipts in his bed.

Within the bundle of receipts was a blood donation record showing that Zao Wei had donated blood at least 16 times from May to December of last year.

Interestingly, Zao Wei visited the hospital on January 5 and received a diagnosis suggesting decreased red blood cells, severe anemia, tachycardia, and regenerative anemia.

After asking around, the family found their son had donated blood multiple times.

It was revealed that Zao Wei received approximately about $40 to $45 for plasma extraction at Xinzhou Plasma Station due to his family’s financial difficulties.

The Paper reported that “the interval between plasma donations should be at least 14 days, and it should not exceed 24 times a year.”

However, Zao Wei’s father claimed, “Zao Wei had his plasma extracted three times a month, and there were times when the interval between extractions was only 12 days.”

The Xinzhou Plasma Station has suspended operations, and local health authorities are conducting a full investigation.