The Taiwan Blood Services Foundation (TBSF) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donors as national blood reserve plummets to dangerously low levels. According to the foundation, the drop-down has threatened to disrupt medical procedures across the island.
O-Type blood reserve crashes to 1.2 days in Taiwan
In a report published by Focus Taiwan on Friday, the foundation confirmed that the average nationwide blood supply currently stands at just 3.8 days. It says it is far below the standard safe threshold of seven to ten days.
Medical experts warn that inventories falling beneath this benchmark place significant strain on hospitals. This will particularly be impactful during emergencies.
The shortage is most acute for O-type blood, the universal type often required in trauma cases. At the Taichung Blood Center, reserves of O-type blood have collapsed to a critical low of just 1.2 days, triggering emergency redistribution protocols.
According to the latest TBSF data, current inventory levels across Taiwan sit at 4.4 days for A-type blood. Additionally, 4.7 days for B-type, 2.9 days for O-type, and 5.3 days for AB-type.
The foundation classifies supplies of four to seven days as slightly low. It also says any stock below four days falls under the dangerously lowcategory.
Although officials have activated inter-regional blood transfers to shore up supplies, the reallocation of O-type blood remains severely constrained. This is due to critically low inventories in multiple regions simultaneously.
TBSF urges public response as holiday demand continues unabated
The TBSF stressed that patient demand for blood does not pause for public holidays. With the Lunar New Year holiday drawing to a close on Sunday, the organisation is intensifying its call for eligible citizens to step forward.
“Surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergency cases continue regardless of the season. We urge everyone who is able to donate to visit their nearest blood centre immediately and help save lives,” a foundation spokesperson said.
The Taiwan Blood Services Foundation operates as the island’s primary blood donation organisation. It functions as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and non-profit public welfare group, coordinating efforts to maintain a stable and safe blood supply for all medical facilities.
Meanwhile, due to severe blood shortages in the U.S., the American Red Cross has begun a blood donation drive that will continue until February 28. Donors within this period are eligible to receive a $20 e-gift card.