Blood bank urgently needs type O positive blood

(CMR) The Cayman Islands Blood Bank has announced a critical appeal for Type O positive blood. All eligible individuals are being asked to donate blood immediately, regardless of their blood type.

In announcing the appeal, Head of Laboratory and Blood Bank Services at the HSA, Judith Clarke says it is critical to have a healthy supply of Type O blood on hand. O positive blood is one of the most common types and therefore one of the most needed for transfusions.

Supply chain delays from the US due to the pandemic, have slowed the receipt of blood, therefore Cayman needs to increase our local blood donations to ensure we have an adequate supply for patients when they need it.

Healthy volunteers are also encouraged to donate blood throughout the year to maintain a stable blood supply for the sake of patients dependent on blood transfusions due to surgery or blood diseases. Men can donate every three months and women every four months.

It is not possible to contract COVID-19 through blood donation. The Blood Bank at the Cayman Islands Hospital takes every precaution to minimize the risk to blood donors, including the appropriate physical distance between people and sanitization. Persons who have recovered from COVID-19 are also able to donate blood.

Donors are asked to follow these guidelines:

If you are feeling any degree of illness, you should stay home and not attempt to give blood.

If you have any reason to believe that you have had contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days, you should not attempt to donate blood.

If you have had any symptoms of fever or viral infection within the last 14 days, please wait until you have been completely symptom-free for two (2) consecutive weeks.

Donations can be made Monday –Friday from 7:00am-6:30pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 5:30pm at the Cayman Islands Hospital. Walk-ins are also accepted. Persons who have not donated before with the Blood Bank can take a brief eligibility test on its website before scheduling an appointment.

The Blood Bank will be closed on the upcoming public holidays: December 27, 28 & January 3, 2022.

For more information and to book an appointment, please visit www.bloodbank.ky or call 244-2674.