The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) experienced an unexpected, critical shortage of group O-negative red cell products in early December last year, despite meeting collection targets, which resulted in restrictive blood-ordering measures for hospitals in the Western Cape. As always, our hero blood donors were called upon and came to the rescue, replenishing these stocks sufficiently by the end of the festive season.
In critical shortage situations, we prioritise Rh-negative women in childbearing years at risk of incompatible red cell transfusions and subsequent antibody formation that could affect future pregnancies. Only 7-8% of people worldwide are O-negative, so we need to prioritise this blood for the Rh-negative patient population who need it the most.
The blood usage data for this period will be analysed carefully to better understand why the shortages occurred and whether O-negative blood products are being issued correctly. While we realise it is easiest to take O-negative blood products from emergency fridges, please always confirm your patient’s Rh group using the slide test kits in the fridge. If your patient is Rh-positive, please use only O-positive emergency blood products.
For more information about responsible emergency blood usage, please visit this link (Blood products and services information), or contact Dr Caroline Hilton, Lead Medical Consultant (Caroline@wcbs.org.za).
