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Thuy was testing the technology as part of Abbott’s initiative during its three blood donation events in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, held in conjunction with World Blood Donor Day on June 14.

This experience, developed by Abbott, a global leader in blood screening and plasma, in collaboration with Blood Centers of America, aims to reduce donor anxiety and distract blood donors during the donation process. This initiative is designed to encourage young people to continue donating blood.

While wearing a headset, blood donors enter a digital environment with calming music. They control a cursor through eye movement to complete tasks while remaining aware of their surroundings. This allows blood donation professionals to safely conduct the procedure and engage with donors at each stage.

The upgraded version of the technology introduced this year includes two games. Donors, including Thuy from Abbott Vietnam, could choose between planting seeds in a Zen garden to relaxing music or building a robot team to explore planets and solve puzzles.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Trang, from the Blood Transfusion Centre at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, praised the integration of mixed reality technology, calling it a noteworthy development. After donating blood on June 13 in Hanoi, she found the experience both refreshing and engaging.

“It’s a great way to encourage more people to donate blood, especially those who may feel hesitant or are donating for the first time,” Dr. Trang said.

Following its launch in the US two years ago, an Abbott study published in early 2024 showed that 68% of blood donors who experienced pre-donation anxiety reported reduced anxiety when using mixed reality, and 89% expressed interest in donating blood again.

This mixed reality innovation aligns with Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to promote voluntary blood donation, a crucial initiative for addressing blood shortages during emergencies and medical treatments in the Southeast Asian nation.

In 2000, Vietnam’s government issued a directive to encourage blood donation, establishing April 7 as National Voluntary Blood Donation Day. The movement has since gained widespread popularity, with significant progress in blood collection.

In 2024, Vietnam collected over 1.7 million units of blood, a substantial increase from the 2000 levels, and the voluntary donation ratio accounted for 98% of total blood collected, an increase of 30% over the past four years, according to the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion.

Abbott’s blood donation events have led to the introduction of mixed reality technology at blood centers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, enabling more donors in Vietnam to experience the technology.

The incorporation of mixed reality into the blood donation process reflects Abbott’s broader efforts to introduce transformative technologies to improve healthcare and treatment outcomes.

Abbott Vietnam staff members donate blood at events across Hanoi on June 14, 2025. Photo by Hoang Anh

Abbott’s other technological innovations, such as the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system, have already made a significant impact in healthcare. Launched in Vietnam in March 2021, the system provides people with diabetes and their doctors a detailed picture of glucose levels through a simple scan of the sensor worn on the upper arm. Studies show that users of the FreeStyle Libre system have better glucose control and fewer episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, which has led to improved overall health outcomes.

Abbott has also made strides in supporting diabetes control in Vietnam with the launch of a reformulated version of Glucerna, which helps improve insulin sensitivity and achieve better glycemic control.

The company’s science-based nutrition products, such as Ensure and PediaSure, help to strengthen immunity and prevent malnutrition across various life stages.

Abbott’s diagnostic systems, like the Alinity platform, offer healthcare professionals accurate, fast results, enabling better decision-making, particularly in critical care settings.

In cardiovascular care, Abbott’s Xience Drug-Eluting Stents are recognized as the world’s leading drug-eluting stents, providing safety, efficacy, and positive outcomes for patients worldwide. Additionally, Abbott’s HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device and Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder offer advanced treatment options for heart failure and pediatric heart conditions in Vietnam.

Abbott’s diverse innovations, from mixed reality in blood donation to life-saving health technologies, highlight its long-standing commitment to improving healthcare worldwide.

Since its establishment in Vietnam in 1995, Abbott has invested over VND280 billion (nearly US$11 million) in addressing critical health issues, including improving nutrition, treating chronic diseases, training medical professionals, and raising public awareness about healthcare.

“We are dedicated to bringing our technology and innovations to Vietnam, advancing healthcare, and fostering a healthier, stronger future for all,” said Douglas Kuo, Divisional Vice President and General Manager of Abbott in Vietnam. This year, Abbott celebrates 30 years in Vietnam.