'Critical' Need For Type O Blood At San Diego Blood Bank

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Blood Bank on Monday urged people with type O blood to donate because the blood bank has hit "critically low levels" of both O negative and O positive blood types.

Type O blood is the first used in emergencies when a patient's blood type is unknown, and for massive traumas when a large volume of blood is needed quickly, according to the San Diego Blood Bank.

Type O negative is the universal blood type, meaning anyone can receive that type of blood when needed. Type O positive is the most common blood type, which is why hospital demand is always high.

"All types are needed, but our supply of O negative and O positive blood types is low, currently at less than a one-day supply," said Claudine Van Gonka, a spokesperson for the San Diego Blood Bank. "It is critical that we bring the blood supply up to stable levels for hospital patients in need."

To be eligible to donate blood, donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in general good health. Eligible donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at 619-400-8251 or SanDiegoBloodBank.org.