Blood supply critically low after ice storms

The recent ice storms can be blamed for yet another problem: The regional blood supply is at a critical low, said Jim Williams, manager of communications for the American Red Cross of the Missouri-Illinois region.

It’s not unusual for the Boone County chapter of the American Red Cross to have fewer blood donors this time of the year due to flu season, Williams said. But because the recent ice storms have prevented people from getting out, blood supply levels have become a serious concern.

“One more storm could wipe us out completely,” Williams said.

The Red Cross supplies hospitals with units of blood in quantities measured by how many days are needed to meet the hospitals’ requirements. While a five-day to seven-day supply is ideal — and even a three-day supply would be considered normal — the Red Cross currently has a one-day supply of blood, Williams said.

The most important blood type is O negative because it is the universal donor, meaning that it can be given to any patient. It is also the most needed with only one-fourth of a day’s supply available, Williams said. “I don’t want to single out just one blood type, though, because right now we need all blood donors.”

Blood types O positive and B negative are also below a one day’s supply, said Jean Campbell, district recruitment manager of the mid-Missouri area chapter of the American Red Cross.

Because blood only has a shelf life of 42 days and platelets of five days, it’s difficult to keep up with supply and demand, according to the Red Cross Web site.

“At this present time there has not been any indication that local surgeries will be canceled, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen if things don’t turn around,” Campbell said.

Boone Hospital Center is not experiencing any shortage in the labs right now, said Kyle Sheafer, the hospital’s director of marketing.

The Red Cross is hoping that word of mouth from donors will bring in more donors. “People think the number one reason people don’t donate is because of a fear of needles but that’s not true,” Williams said. “The real reason is that people are not asked to donate. On behalf of the patients in need, I am asking you to donate.”