The Blood Bank of Delmarva hopes to replenish its blood supply as hospitals slowly resume more regular operations.
The regional blood bank says reserves are dangerously low and is actively seeking donors.
Spokesperson Tony Prado said the bank was in “pretty good shape” prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, hospital orders recently increased in anticipation of elective surgeries restarting.
“Just like that, within a day or two, our inventory had plummeted to the point where we felt we needed to issue this urgent need for blood. And, that’s because ideally in the blood banking world you want to maintain a what’s called a seven-day supply,” Prado said.
Prado said O-positive blood is the most urgent need with the inventory level just under 3 days. The blood bank is lifting one key restriction at donor centers to help replenish their inventory.
“If you walk-in to a donor center without an appointment and we can accommodate you because somebody didn’t show up. We’re starting to let that happen again. And, that’s big news,” Prado said.
Prado said donor centers will continue practicing social distancing and other safety measures. He adds appointments are still encouraged.
The Blood Bank of Delmarva collects forty percent of its reserves from blood drives. They canceled them due to the pandemic and focused on plasma donations over the last few months. Prado said they are well-stock with plasma and received a positive response from doctors and hospitals.
The blood drives are scheduled to resume for later this month.
