Blood and plasma collection disrupted by weather conditions, says Canadian Blood Services

Dec 29, 2022 | 2:51 PM

The Canadian Blood Services says the recent heavy snowfall, extreme cold and icy conditions in many parts of the country have led to a shortfall of roughly 1,500, or 10 per cent, of their expected blood and plasma collections.

“The national blood inventory has declined by over 35 per cent since the start of October. Currently, we have three or four days on hand of several blood types. The ideal inventory of fresh blood products is between five and eight days. We can and will turn this around and we need donors to fill all open appointments,” said Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ Chief Supply Chain Officer and Vice-President of Donor Relations.

As a result of the weather conditions, the organization says there is an immediate need for donors from all communities to book and keep appointments to help restore and grow the blood and plasma supply for patients this winter season. They believe continuing threats of winter storms and illness may further impact collections and re-distribution opportunities as the national inventory of several blood types remains far below optimal.

“We’ve had to cancel many collection events since December 20. In addition, donors will have had difficulty meeting their scheduled appointments. We anticipate disruptions to continue in the weeks ahead as winter weather events continue to grip the country. Patients across Canada need donors more than ever as we head into the new year. Poor weather can also create an increase in trauma events, increasing the demand for blood. Every donation counts. It could literally save a life,” said Prinzen, stressing the importance of replenishing supplies as soon as possible to ensure they are prepared if severe weather disrupts collections again.

“Following storms, we often hear stories of people across Canada offering to help others clear snow or providing blankets and clothing for those staying in shelters. Don’t forget that donating blood or plasma to ensure patient needs are met is another way we can give a part of ourselves to help others.”

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In particular, officials say the need for platelets and o-negative blood are pressing and ongoing for patients with serious bleeding or those undergoing cancer treatments. Platelets are a vital blood component with a shelf life of only seven days. Regular blood donations are needed to ensure platelets are available and o-negative blood, the universal blood type, can be transfused to any patient and is especially used in times of emergency or for newborn patients.

Not only has weather caused strain in blood supplies but the organization says patients’ needs are being met by the smallest donor base in a decade due to a sharp decline in the number of regular donors. They say a drop of 31,000 donors has been recorded since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are extremely grateful to the donors that regularly donate and also respond to these immediate needs. We also strongly encourage new donors to join Canada’s lifeline. Ensuring that the national supply meets patients’ needs over the coming weeks is an imperative for all of us. We also ask that donors, to the extent possible and reasonable, keep their appointments this week and throughout January,” said Prinzen

Canadian Blood Services is open normal hours this week and into the new year. Same day and open appointment slots are available at many donation events across the country. Book online at blood.ca, on the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Blood and plasma collection disrupted by weather conditions, says Canadian Blood Services

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