Donate blood in mixed reality

Scared of needles? Mixed reality comes to the rescue.

according toAmerican Blood CenterAccording to the data, in the past 10 years, the number of blood donors under the age of 30 in the United States is obviously insufficient, accounting for about 30%.

To help alleviate this growing shortage, Abbott Laboratories, an Illinois-based medical device and healthcare company, has teamed up with American Blood Centers to launch a new mixed-reality experience designed to engage young blood donors and take them through the process. Provides a fun and relaxing experience.

Using Microsoft's HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset, blood donors will be immersed in a magical garden where they can plant seeds in their real environment while enjoying a soothing soundtrack. Blood donors are always aware of their surroundings to ensure safety. Medical staff can also see into the donor's eyes to assess their condition in real time during the blood draw.

"This is a new way to engage people in donating blood," Alex Carterson, Abbott's vice president of medical, scientific and clinical affairs, said in a statement.Official press releaseexpress. "Mixed reality introduces a safe, fun element to the act of donating blood. We believe this will resonate with those who have been hesitant to donate blood, those who have never donated blood before, as well as younger generations who can become the cornerstone of future national blood donation efforts."

Harpreet K. Sandhu, CEO of the Stanford Blood Center and President of the American Blood Center added, "Mixed reality is an excellent way to engage the next generation of blood donors and engage young people. The need for blood is constant, and we are constantly looking to attract A smart new way for those who have never donated blood before or who might be concerned. The mixed reality experience is a great way to engage these people."

The Abbott and American Blood Centers mixed reality blood donation experience is available at select locations in Illinois, New York, Ohio and Texas. You can now go tobethe1donor.com/mixedrealityBook your time online. In order to be eligible, you need to meet all the requirements for donating blood, platelets or plasma.