Social: “Every drop counts” – Why blood donations are important now

The Heat wave last week also had an impact on the stock of blood supplies. The DRK North-East blood donation service said up to a quarter fewer people took advantage of the blood donation appointments offered. “This means that all orders from clinics and practices can no longer be fulfilled 100 percent,” said spokeswoman Kerstin Schweiger of the dpa.

In particular, stocks of blood groups 0 Rhesus negative and 0 Rhesus positive as well as A Rhesus negative and A Rhesus positive currently only last just over a day, said Schweiger. In order to ensure a secure supply at all times, a daily range of four to five days is necessary. “That’s why every drop counts.”

The DRK Nord-Ost is looking forward to the start of the holidays with concern, when many regular donors are on vacation. Despite all the many medications, blood preparations can neither be produced artificially nor stored for long periods of time. For example, platelets used in cancer therapy only have a shelf life of four days. Schweiger called for people to use the now cooler days to donate blood. “The first short heat wave at the beginning of summer will not remain a singular event.”

The DRK Nord-Ost in Berlin and Brandenburg needs around 600 every working day Blood donationsin Saxony around 650 and in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein around 500 to ensure patient care. Nationwide, 15,000 blood donations are needed every day. Healthy people can donate blood even in the heat if they drink enough and rest.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:260703-930-325597/1