Cyprus’ blood needs have stabilized to 200 units per day, Acting head of the Blood Bank, Socratis Menelaou told CNA, adding that more people are coming forward this week to donate blood.
At the same time, he emphasized the need for more blood donors to continue donating blood to maintain adequate blood supply and balance.
“At the moment the situation is good”, he said, adding however that, because some blood derivatives, such as platelets, have a life span of only five days, this means that the blood flow must continue in order to have a stable number.
Menelaou further said red blood cells and plasma, are in good levels.
He urged people not to stop donating blood as the threat of coronavirus resulted with a great shortage at the blood banks. At the moment, blood needs have stabilized to around 200 units a day, he added.
On Tuesday 80 units were donated, on Wednesday 130, 195 on Thursday and from Friday until Sunday 230 units.
This shows that people are not afraid to come forward to donate blood. The situation is better than last week but the needs remain, Menelaou remarked.
He further assured that the lives of all chronic patients who require would be compromised and that all safety measures are being taken at the blood banks therefore there is no danger for blood donors.
(CNA)
