As the blood supply in Beijing has been running short recently, blood centers and hospitals are encouraging patients' relatives to donate blood - offering a sort of exchange of a similar amount of blood, regardless of the type donated.

Speculators profit from selling blood

But the inadequate verification of the relationship between blood donors and the patients means that some people have taken advantage of the opportunity to make some profit by selling blood. They have been buying from migrant workers or students - without any care about the medical history of the donor.

According to the country's regulations, patients' relatives are required to present their identity card and certificate of kinship - and also to fill in a donation application.

But one doctor at Fuwai Hospital said they only ask for an ID card and the application form before collecting blood, and the hospital does not check the physical condition of the donor.

Those who organize this illegal trade are thus able to tell the blood donors to only include information on the health questionnaire that will allow them to donate.

This scheme allows them to sell 400 cc of blood at a price of 1,600 yuan ($241) - which they bought for 300 yuan ($45).

"I have no alternative," said one man surnamed Ji, whose wife needs blood to treat a brain tumor. "I've been waiting for more than 10 days for blood. I just want to get the blood as soon as possible for my wife," he added. Ji bought 800 cc of blood on Tuesday from one of the illegal traders.

An official with a Beijing blood center said the center already informed hospitals to reduce or stop collecting blood from patients' families as the amount in storage already meets the demand.

But he also said this type of blood donation should still be encouraged - despite those who have manipulated the system.

Beijing Health Bureau said Tuesday that it is illegal to organize people to sell blood for money. The bureau will continue to work with police to supervise the donation and use of blood.