Coronavirus Causing Dwindling Blood Supplies

PITTSBURGH, PA - Mounting school and business closures resulting from the coronavirus outbreak have caused many blood drives to be canceled and blood centers around the country are struggling to maintain inventories. In Pittsburgh, Vitalant, formerly Central Blood Bank, is hoping to avoid a critical blood shortage as the outbreak is expected to grow.

Vitalant officials said Wendesday that all blood types and components are needed, with an extreme need for platelets and type O blood donations. Platelets have a very short shelf life—only five days. Type O-negative blood is the universal blood type that emergency room doctors use first to help stabilize patients before their blood type is known.

Dr. Joseph E. Kiss, Vitalant's medical director of clinical apheresis and blood services, said Vitalant provides a safe location to donate blood.

“Blood donors are carefully screened to ensure they are healthy, our staff follow rigorous disinfection protocols between donations, and we are fully engaged in public health recommendations for social distancing," he said in a release.

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Vitalant and other blood centers do not test for the Coronavirus but have always required people to be in good health to donate. They follow policies established by the federal food and Drug Administration to ensure the health and safety of donors and patients. Vitalant staff follow rigorous safety and disinfection protocols and giving blood doesn't impact a donor's immune system.

To make a blood donation appointment, call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825) or go online to vitalant.org. Vitalant in Pittsburgh has expanded hours in its donation centers as listed here.

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