Blood Issues
Several news organizations issued erroneous reports that suggested America has more blood than it needs. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.
Prior to September 11, the nation's blood inventory was at potentially inadequate levels, about a one-to-three day supply. Now, as a result of the surge in donations after September 11, the nation's blood supply is in the best shape in history with about a 10-day supply. This larger supply significantly improves our ability to help patients.
On the afternoon of September 11 and days since, no one could predict whether additional tragedies would occur, possibly involving thousands of traumatic injuries in any American community. Therefore, the American Red Cross collected blood from generous donors to ensure an adequate, national supply for any circumstance. The Red Cross believed it was incumbent upon us to remain prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
It must be remembered that the Red Cross is the only "national" blood system. Our focus must be on an inventory level that ensures the "nation's" blood needs are met. American's wouldn't stand for only a three-day supply of drinkable water, food or even coffee, why should they have to accept a three-day supply of life saving blood. The Red Cross believes we should do everything we can to maintain a 10-day supply of blood.
However, to do this, 25,000 new blood donations are needed everyday to maintain this level of supply. Blood is a perishable commodity and must be regularly replaced, the worst thing that could happen is for people to assume that we have enough blood and stop donating.
In addition, no one who has donated blood since September 11 should feel their donation was not needed. All donations that met safety and quality requirements were used to benefit patients. Blood donations are processed into at least three primary components. Every donation processed has been used to treat patients in some manner including platelets to treat cancer patients, plasma to treat critical care patients and red cells to treat trauma and anemia. At least one of these components from every donation has been or will be used to treat patients.
Focusing just on red cells, a small percentage, about 8%, were not ultimately used. This figure is the sum of those units that were not used prior to their 42 day expiration date (3%) and the units that did not meet our safety standards (5%). To put this in context, traditionally the Red Cross utilizes 97% of our red cells.
Blood Issues
