Stanford Blood Center O- Blood Supply Critically Low

March 4, 2019
Media Release (for immediate release)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Vanessa Merina | 650-966-4860
vmerina@stanford.edu

STANFORD, Calif. — Stores of O- blood products at Stanford Blood Center (SBC) are critically low, and area blood donors are being asked to make their earliest available appointment to ensure a sustainable supply for local hospitals.

“High usage by our hospital partners has significantly impacted our inventory of O-, and as of today we are down to less than a two-day supply,” says SBC spokesperson Vanessa Merina. “Just in the last week, our partner hospitals used approximately 900 units (pints) of red blood cells, 400 units of platelets, and 300 units of plasma, all in support of three transplant patients, multiple cardiovascular patients, pediatric patients with bleeding disorders, and multiple emergent and trauma pediatric patients.”

Blood centers across the US have been experiencing shortages throughout the winter months due to weather concerns and cold/flu season, and SBC is no exception. However, the higher than normal usage at Bay Area hospitals in recent weeks means there is a greater need and urgency for community members to help replenish the blood supply to sustainable levels.

A person with O- blood is known as a universal donor — meaning, any patient with any blood type can receive it — yet, O- donors represent only about 6.6% of the US population. “Even if you do not have O- blood or don’t know your blood type, we need your support right now,” says Merina. “All blood types are needed to support local patients on an ongoing basis. Give us a call, and we can help find the optimal time and location for your visit.”

You can learn more about blood donation and schedule an appointment online at stanfordbloodcenter.org or call 888-723-7831 for same-day appointments and information.

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Stanford Blood Center was created at the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1978 to meet the complex transfusion needs of Stanford Hospital & Clinics and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, as well as provide tailored blood products and clinical trial services for school researchers. Today the center provides blood products to four local hospitals and is a recognized leader in the field of transfusion medicine. More information is available at stanfordbloodcenter.org.