Red Cross desperate for O-negative donors as stocks run low

IS your blood type O-negative?

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is urging people with the universal blood type to roll up their sleeves and give blood as the nation’s O-negative reserve slips to just two days’ supply.

Around the country, about 1000 donors a day are cancelling appointments, with almost half of them because of cold and flu symptoms, limiting the number of regular donors who are able to give blood.

Blood Service spokesman Shaun Inguanzo urged new donors to step up this winter.

“We need others – in this case people with O-negative blood – to take the place of those who have cold or flu symptoms,” he said.

“O-negative is the universal type given to patients in emergency situations when their blood type is unknown.

“Australian patients need around 500 O-negative donations a day to survive these situations.”

Donors who are affected by cold and flu symptoms are able to give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery.

To make an appointment, call 13 14 95 or click here.