O-negative blood supplies are critically low, study warns

A study published in Anesthesiology Open reported that supplies of O-negative “universal donor” blood have been critically low each year since 2019, and researchers said use of O-negative in some emergency situations is contributing to shortages.

O-negative blood, often described as "universal donor" blood, can be transfused to patients of any blood type and is used when a person’s blood type is unknown. A study in Anesthesiology Open reported that O-negative supplies have fallen to critically low levels every year since 2019. Researchers said demand for O-negative has grown while supply remains limited, and they noted the American Red Cross offered $15 Amazon gift cards to donors through the end of March as reported. Key findings: - The study reports O-negative supplies have been critically low each year since 2019. - About 13% of transfusions in 2023 involved O-negative blood, while roughly 7% of the U.S. population has O-negative blood, the report says. - Researchers said some clinicians use O-negative blood in situations where other types could be used and recommend reserving O-negative for people with O-negative blood and for women with childbearing potential. - The report calls for faster blood typing in emergencies so patients can be switched from O-negative when possible. Summary: The study highlights ongoing strain on O-negative supplies that are important for immediate transfusions when a patient’s blood type is unknown and has prompted calls for more targeted use and quicker blood typing in emergencies. It emphasizes clinicians’ roles in preserving O-negative units but does not announce a specific national policy change or timeline. Undetermined at this time.