SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The San Diego Blood Bank put out a call Monday for donors with type O negative and O positive blood, as the bank has reached "critically low" levels of both.
Type O negative is the universal blood type, meaning anyone can receive that type of blood when needed. Type O positive is the most common blood type, so hospital demand is always high.
Type O blood is the first used in emergencies when a patient's blood type is unknown, and for massive traumas when a large volume of blood is needed quickly.
"All types are needed, but our supply of O negative and O positive blood types is low, currently at less than a one-day supply," said Claudine Van Gonka, spokeswoman for the blood bank.
"It is critical that we bring the blood supply up to stable levels for hospital patients in need."
To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in general good health. Eligible donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at SanDiegoBloodBank.org or by calling 619-400-8251.
