Red Cross announces shortage of blood platelets

The wintery weather has led to a massive drop in blood platelet donations in Belgium. The Red Cross is reporting that only one-third of the normal number of donors have visited over the last several days.

“Many people have cancelled their donations appointment over the last few days,” An Luyten of the Red Cross told VRT News. “So we haven’t been able to obtain nearly as much as usual.”

This has quickly led to a shortage, she explained, because platelets must be used within five days. Platelets are used for a number of medical procedures, including during surgeries to prevent blood loss and in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The Red Cross is asking for donors to give blood this week if possible.