The San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB) has issued a “critical appeal” for platelet donations.
High demand and recent regulation changes regarding donor eligibility have resulted in a significantly low stock of platelets for SDBB, and other blood banks across the country.
The local bank is the primary supplier of blood to the majority of hospitals in San Diego County, providing platelets for use in trauma wards and surgical centers. Transplant, chemotherapy and radiation patients often need platelets to survive.
According to the SDBB, platelets only have a five-day shelf life, which makes donations during shortages that much more significant. Donors with A+, B+ or AB are the best candidates for platelet donation.
