Negative blood type donors urgently sought

New Brunswick - New Jersey Blood Services, a division of the New York Blood Center, is asking those with negative blood types to consider donating due to the sharp decrease in supply. O and B negative red cell inventories have decreased sharply over the Thanksgiving weekend to three days and two days supply respectively, according to officials. While O and B negative blood is particularly needed immediately, healthy people of all blood types and ethnicities are encouraged to donate “to help make certain that our region is prepared for predictable blood needs and any unexpected contingencies over the holiday season,” said officials. People with O-negative blood are known as “universal donors” because their blood can be transfused into anyone. Type O-negative blood is found in just seven percent of the population, but is used more often by patients with other blood types, especially in emergency rooms and trauma situations. It is used in exchange transfusions for newborn babies and pregnant women, and for premature babies in intensive care units. Hospital use of blood products remains high -- due to surgeries, emergencies and care of cancer patients. About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood. To donate blood, call 800-933-2566 or visit: www.nybloodcenter.org