Freezing temperatures see six of Scotland’s eight blood groups running low

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is asking the people of Scotland to give blood. Blood supplies across Scotland have been adversely affected by severe snow and freezing temperatures. Supplies of six out of the eight different blood groups are needed now (O+, A+, B+, AB+, A- and O-).

Dr Sylvia Armstrong-Fisher, SNBTS Head of Territory for the Northern Arch, said, 'We are asking the people of Scotland to book your appointment now and help us rebuild supplies.

'It is very important you book to donate in one of our Donor Centres (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness) as they have been quiet. We have plenty of appointments available. During bad weather donor centres remain accessible, so we are relying on these venues and donors at this time.

'SNBTS is still visiting communities across Scotland and is grateful to all donors and local communities who have demonstrated such amazing commitment. This situation is set to continue with adverse weather and flooding, so please do book an appointment if you can.'

Blood has a shelf life of up to 35 days, but each donation is split into three separate parts – red cells, platelets and plasma. For red cells, freshly donated blood is needed for Scotland’s most vulnerable patients. For example, babies who need tiny paediatric packs where only a small amount of blood is required.  Blood used for neonate intra uterine transfusion (when baby receives blood in mum’s womb), is never more than 5 days old.

Platelets have the shortest shelf life of any major component – only seven days. SNBTS is grateful to Scotland’s 1,166 platelet donors, who help provide over half of Scotland’s platelet supply. But to meet hospital demand, SNBTS must also manufacture essential platelets from O+, A+, O- and A- whole blood donations. It takes four whole blood donations to make one unit of platelets. Plasma donation is also essential, and is needed for Clinical Plasma, and Plasma for Medicines.

Dr Armstrong-Fisher said: 'Every day, Scotland needs around 450 blood donors to meet the needs of patients in hospitals across the country. This does not take a rest due to bad weather. However, fewer people are donating than before, and this puts pressure on Scotland’s blood supply. I am urging both new and returning donors to come forward to help ensure lifesaving blood is always available.'

• Appointments can be booked online at www.scotblood.co.uk or by calling 0345 90 90 999.