Red Cross Reports Severe Blood Shortage

Blood donations to the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Red Cross are down and the supply shortage is threatening treatments for leukemia and other medical problems and raising the possibility that elective surgeries might have to be postponed, a spokesman said Monday.

Type O blood supplies are especially low and that type is in the greatest demand because it is the most common blood group, said Dr. Gary Zeger, assistant medical director of American Red Cross Blood Services for the Los Angeles-Orange counties region.

The drain on the supply has also reduced the number of blood units from which platelets, the blood component used to treat leukemia and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, may be drawn, Zeger said. “Platelets have a very short shelf life and must be transfused within five days after they are collected.”

Anyone age 17 or older who weighs at least 110 pounds and is in good health may volunteer to donate blood. Those seeking information can call (213) 739-5530.