Stanford Blood Center puts out urgent call for Type O blood
The Stanford Blood Center is asking for donations of Type O blood due to critically low inventory, the blood bank reported. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
STANFORD, Calif. (BCN) - The Stanford Blood Center is asking for donations of Type O blood due to critically low inventory, the blood bank reported.
Blood bank officials said five patients needed over 500 blood products this week, including 200 pints of red cells, while a person's regular blood volume is between eight to 10 pints.
Many regular blood donors are on vacation and school blood drives are not in session, blood bank officials said. The center is in dire need of Type O blood, but all blood types are welcome.
Donors have to be in good health with no cold or flu symptoms. They should eat well and drink fluids before donating blood and have a photo ID handy.
"Please consider making an appointment to donate at one of our centers or mobile blood drives," spokeswoman Loren Magaa said, "Now is the time, we need you."