Anne Darcy, resource sharing coordinator for Blood Centers of America, asked if CBC could provide units of type O positive and type O negative red cells to Versiti-Michigan blood center. CBC evaluated its supply and sent 25 units of O positive blood and 10 units of O negative.
Versiti-Michigan was seeking 100 units of type O positive and 25 units of type O negative.
CBC now is asking for the support of type O donors in order to lend more assistance to Versiti-Michigan and to replenish the local type O supply. Appointments are encouraged. Schedule online at www.DonorTime.com or call (937) 461-3220.
CBC faced its own shortage of type O in November and said maintaining a safe supply level is expected to be a challenge during the holiday season.
Approximately 38% of the population has type O-positive while only 7% has type O-negative. Both types are in constant demand. Type O positive can be transfused to patients with any positive blood type. O-negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused immediately to any patient in need.
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