Blood Supply At Critical Levels At Inova, Donations Needed

FAIRFAX, VA — Inova Blood Donor Services put out a call for blood donations amid critical levels of supply.

The hospital system has an immediate need for A, B and O blood types. As of Monday, there were only two O positive red blood cell supplies in the inventory, while the desired inventory level is 300. There is also a short supply of O negative, A positive, B positive and B negative.

Inova says over 200 units of blood are needed daily and are provided by blood, platelet, plasma and double red cell donors. Donated blood has a shelf life of 42 days while donated platelets have a shelf life of five days.

Individuals can donate blood by appointment at blood drives or Inova Blood Donor Services' donor centers (CentreMed Donor Center in Centreville, Dulles Donor Center in Sterling and Woodburn Donor Center in Annandale). Staff have implemented additional health and safety precautions to keep donors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone who has received the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines can donate immediately if they do not have symptoms.

All successful blood donations are also tested for the COVID-19 antibody. Anyone who previously had a positive COVID-19 test and has been symptom-free for at least 14 days may be eligible to donate convalescent plasma, which is being studied by Inova to help patients actively fighting COVID-19.

To find appointments at upcoming blood drives or donor centers, visit www.inovabloodsaves.org.