Irish Blood Transfusion Service Imports Blood Due to Shortage

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has been forced to import blood due to a shortage of certain blood groups, particularly O RhD Negative, A RhD Negative, and B RhD Negative. A delivery of 270 units arrived this morning, providing much-needed relief to the service.

Appeal for Donations Triggers Strong Response

Earlier this month, the IBTS issued an urgent appeal for an additional 2,000 blood donations as most blood groups fell to critically low levels, with stock levels dropping to under three days’ supply. The response to this appeal was described as “exceptional” by Dr. Andy Godfrey, Medical and Scientific Director of the IBTS.

The service collected a remarkable 8,893 units, a significant increase of 1,141 compared to the same period last year. However, despite this surge in donations, the shortage of RhD Negative blood persists.

The Ongoing RhD Negative Challenge

“While an appeal would usually provide us with an additional 2.5 days of O RhD Negative, on this occasion O RhD Negative stocks actually fell by 0.8 days,” explained Dr. Godfrey. This is due to the fact that RhD Negative donors represent a small proportion of the overall donor population, and demand for RhD Negative blood is increasing.

“Optimising blood utilisation across jurisdictions in Europe is now routine practice,” Dr. Godfrey added. “Blood services are encouraged to have collaborative arrangements in place.” The IBTS is prioritizing patient care and is working with other blood establishments to share these limited resources.

How You Can Help

The IBTS relies on the generosity of the public to maintain a sufficient blood supply. If you are eligible to donate blood, please consider making an appointment today. Your contribution could make a life-saving difference.

To find out more about blood donation and to book an appointment, visit the Irish Blood Transfusion Service website: https://www.blood.ie/