Can You Donate Blood During The COVID-19 Pandemic?

The American Association of Blood Banks revealed more than 4,000 blood drives have been canceled in the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CNBC mentioned it has resulted in a loss of over 130,000 donations, which can be worrisome to individuals who are dependant on regular blood transfusions.

“I’m looking to delay or reduce blood usage with the knowledge that the supply is not being refilled at a robust rate, and nationwide we’re seeing this,” CNBC quoted Dr. Claudia Cohn, AABB’s chief medical officer and director of the blood bank at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

The treatment for thalassemia patients involves blood transfusions every three weeks. They might even find it difficult to live if there is no opportunity for regular blood transfusions. Also, there is no medical substitute for blood and, so, supplies should be constantly replenished. Moreover, blood also has a short shelf life.

“We’ve had patients that have reached out to us and have been told there’s really only a five-day blood supply in their area or who have been told we won’t be able to give you blood this week,” CNBC quoted Cooley’s Anemia Foundation’s national executive director Craig Butler. “It’s really important in a situation like this to keep with the donations so that there’ll be blood today, and blood tomorrow, and blood 10 weeks from now for everyone who needs it,” he added.

Can you donate blood during the COVID-19 pandemic? The American Red Cross still continues to function and their centers for blood donation are still open. They have also set up new ones at several hospitals. Their website has set up a new alert for a severe blood shortage due to the pandemic.

Dr. Pampee Young, the organization’s chief medical officer, said it is very important to note, at this point in time, that individuals cannot transmit the coronavirus or any other respiratory illnesses including cold or the flu by donating blood. He highlighted the fact that this is not a virus that can be transmitted via blood transfusions.

"Blood donation saves lives and we will need our donors more than ever over the new few weeks and months. Please keep your appointment to donate if you can. Combating the virus will take a huge national effort. Donation is something you can do to help the NHS. It's a reason to go outside and then do something amazing," BBC quoted Dr. Gail Miflin, the chief medical officer for NHS Blood and Transplant.