Hospitals requesting all blood types as supply is at critical levels across the globe

Baton Rouge / louisianaradionetwork.com

There’s a global shortage of blood and Louisiana is not the exception. Ochsner Pathologist Dr. Aimee Goodier says it’s a dire situation and when a trauma patient could require anywhere from six to twelve units of blood if there are multiple accidents the supply could easily be depleted.

“You are kind of holding your breath waiting. Ok if somebody comes in, we’ve got them covered. If somebody comes in after them, we might not have enough for them, and good Lord I hope a third person doesn’t come in at the same time,” said Goodier.

And it’s not just trauma patients that require multiple units of blood. Goodier says for example a cancer patient could require blood produces if their platelet count drops.

“Something could go wrong in a woman who goes into labor, she could start bleeding, that’s another situation where you’re absolutely trying to give blood to her and the baby, so you need a little bit more volume,” said Goodier.

Goodier says a lack of blood products also impacts sickle cell patients.

Blood donations have been on the decline for some time now, even before the pandemic. And Goodier says donation sites are aware of the fear donors might have about COVID and they are taking extra precautions.

“I think it’s just a decrease in donations over the past few years, and it’s really sad because you never know when you’re going to be in that situation where you do need blood and it does save your life or one of your loved ones,” said Goodier.

Hospitals and blood banks are requesting donations of all blood types. To find the nearest Ochsner donation site visit their website and search blood donation.  You can donate every eight weeks. If you have had a COVID infection 14 days after symptoms resolve.

louisianaradionetwork.com/2022/01/12/hospitals-requesting-all-blood-types-as-supply-is-a-critical-levels-across-the-globe/