For the Reporter
The blood supply has fallen below normal levels at the same time Bloodworks Northwest is feeling the escalating impact of the Zika virus outbreak.
The blood supply faces mounting pressure on three fronts.
“In the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico where the Zika virus is being transmitted locally, the FDA has recommended importing whole blood and red cells from regions without an outbreak,” said James P. AuBuchon, MD, president and CEO. “To help respond to this emergency, we sent our first shipment of red blood cells to Puerto Rico on March 4, and are preparing to ship platelets later this week.”
At the same time, Bloodworks is implementing new donor screening measures to ensure the safety of the Northwest blood supply.
People who have travelled to areas with active Zika transmission are being asked to defer blood donation for at least 28 days after they return to the U.S.
New FDA guidance also defines longer deferral periods for people who have been infected, or who have had sexual contact with someone who has travelled or resided in Zika-active areas.
An estimated 2-3 percent of local blood donors will be affected by these deferral measures.
“Sharing our blood supply with regions in need and deferring people exposed to the threat of active Zika infection is already creating pressure on our blood supply,” AuBuchon said.
The other unexpected source of concern is a drop-off in blood donations at local centers. “Over the past month, blood collections have fallen below normal seasonal averages,” AuBuchon noted.
This “triple threat” has resulted in a special appeal. Bloodworks is asking first-time donors and donors who have not donated lately – and who have not travelled to areas of active Zika transmission – to schedule an appointment at one of its 12 centers, or to find a mobile drive in their community close to where they live or work.
There is a special need for O-negative and A-negative blood types and for platelets, but all donors are welcome.
Information about locations and times can be found at bloodworksnw.org. Appointments can be made online at schedule.bloodworksnw.org or by calling 1-800-398-7888. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome.
