Carter BloodCare announces need to replenish supply of type O negative blood

DALLAS/FORT WORTH - Carter BloodCare is experiencing a precedent-setting use of the blood type O Rh negative (‘type O negative’). This blood type is considered universal because it is compatible with all patients – and is used frequently in emergencies when there is little time to type the patient’s blood before administering blood transfusions. Overnight, several large trauma centers served by Carter BloodCare, used heavy quantities of O negative blood within hours of each other.

Carter BloodCare emphasizes that the blood center is currently meeting the needs of its hospitals, but is maintaining only a one-day supply of this important and less-common blood type. This supply would be rapidly exhausted if last night’s events are repeated. Carter BloodCare is asking donors who have type O negative blood to help replenish the supply by making an appointment to donate red blood cells within the next few days, if possible.
There are 20 neighborhood donor centers located throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, in addition to community blood drives taking place daily. Please visit www.carterbloodcare.org or call 1-800-DONATE-4 (800-366-2834) to locate the donor center or blood drive near you.

Potential donors can be 16 years old with a parent’s consent; 17-year-olds may donate independently and there is no upper age limit for donating blood. All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good general health and present a photo ID. Ideally, a donor should also eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before giving blood.
About Carter BloodCare

Carter BloodCare’s volunteer donors provide lifesaving blood for patients at over 200 health care facilities in 56 counties in North, Central and East Texas. Carter BloodCare is the largest not-for-profit 501(c) (3) community blood center in Texas and is accredited ...