Blood Bank issues critical appeal for Type O positive blood

The Cayman Islands Blood Bank is calling for donations of Type O Positive blood in a ‘critical’ appeal as supply chain issues slow the receipt of blood.

Head of Laboratory and Blood Bank Services at the Health Services Authority Judith Clarke, in her appeal Wednesday, also asked that all eligible individuals also donate blood immediately, regardless of their blood type.

“Supply chain delays from the US, due to the pandemic, has slowed the receipt of blood, therefore Cayman needs to increase our local blood donations to ensure we have adequate supply for patients when they need it,” Clarke said in her statement.

• Men can donate every three months
• Women can donate every four months

A recent report from the American Red Cross also pointed to record low donations due to COVID-19, as it issued an emergency appeal.

“Donor turnout has reached the lowest levels of the year, decreasing by about 10% since August,” the release from the Red Cross said.

Back in July, CBS reported that the blood supply situation was at a crisis level, with some hospitals forced to postpone surgeries due to the shortage.

Clarke, in her call for local donations, said it is critical to have a healthy supply of O Positive blood on hand as it is one of the most common types.

This, therefore, makes it “one of the most needed for transfusions,” she added.

Addressing any concern donors may have about COVID-19, Clarke assured, “it is not possible to contract COVID-19 through blood donation”.

“The Blood Bank at the Cayman Islands Hospital takes every precaution to minimize the risk to blood donors, including appropriate physical distance between people and sanitization. Persons who have recovered from COVID-19 are also able to donate blood,” she explained.

Healthy volunteers, the statement said, are encouraged to donate blood throughout the year “to maintain a stable blood supply for the sake of patients dependent on blood transfusions due to surgery or blood diseases”.

“The Blood Bank at the Cayman Islands Hospital takes every precaution to minimize the risk to blood donors, including appropriate physical distance between people and sanitization. Persons who have recovered from COVID-19 are also able to donate blood.”- Head of HSA Laboratory and Blood Bank Services,
Judith Clarke

Persons who have not donated before with the Blood Bank can take a brief eligibility test on its website before scheduling an appointment.

Walk-ins are also accepted.

Donations can be made Monday–Friday from 7am-6:30pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 5:30pm at the Cayman Islands Hospital.

The Blood Bank will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and on the public holidays 27 and 28 Dec. and 3 Jan.

For more information and to book an appointment, visit www.bloodbank.ky or call 244-2674.

The Blood Bank guidelines:
• If you are feeling any degree of illness, you should stay home and not attempt to give blood.
• If you have any reason to believe that you have had contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days, you should not attempt to donate blood.
• If you have had any symptoms of fever or viral infection within the last 14 days, please wait until you have been completely symptom-free for two consecutive weeks.