Blood bank calls for over 1,000 extra daily donations as delayed surgeries tackled

The Catalan blood bank has called for between 1,100 and 1,200 more daily donations in order to meet the needs of hospitals.

The organization believes that the lower impact of Covid in hospitals is leading to more activity in other medical areas, which need a larger number of transfusions.

Blood donations are actually up by 10,000 so far this year, compared to the same period in 2019, but the blood bank says "even so, more are needed."

Reserves in order to respond to possible emergencies currently stand at 6,000 units, when the ideal figure is 10,000.

Each donation "benefits three people"

After donation, blood is separated into three component parts: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, which is why the organization says that each blood donor "benefits three people."

There is especially high demand for platelets, as they can only be stored for a maximum of five days. Most platelet transfusions are done to prevent bleeding in patients who have a deficiency.

Every year the Catalan blood bank has a donation drive in January to make up for the fall in reserves over the Christmas holiday period.

More information on donating blood can be found at www.bancsang.net.