Taiwan Blood Services Foundation launches blood drive amid shortage

The Taiwan Blood Services Foundation (TBSF) launched a month-long blood drive on Tuesday as reserves around the country have fallen to 4.7 days on average, well below the officially designated seven-day safe level.

The foundation hopes to collect at least 230,000 bags (250cc) of blood during the period to be better prepared for the 10-day Lunar New Year holiday next month, TBSF official Lee Lei (??) said.

According to the foundation, the country consumes 6,500 bags of blood per day on average, and the shortage is a result of both the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent cold weather.

Nationwide, the shortage is most severe for type A blood, for which stocks are at 4.3 days of supply, foundation data showed.

It is followed by type O blood at 4.5 days, type AB at 5.2 days and type B at 5.7 days, according to the foundation.

Meanwhile, the lack of reserves is especially critical in Taichung, where blood supplies are only enough for 4.1 days on average, with types O blood in highest demand, it said.

Other cities that have reported similar situations include Hsinchu City, Taipei, Kaohsiung and Tainan.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

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