The Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi is putting out an urgent call this week for anyone with AB blood to roll up a sleeve, after a single patient required large volumes of plasma. Officials say the state’s already small stash of AB plasma could be wiped out in roughly three days if donors do not show up, which would leave hospitals scrambling for complex surgeries and serious trauma cases. The plea lands in the middle of the usual summer slump in donations, adding strain to an island blood supply that cannot be replenished overnight.
Kim-Anh Nguyen, the organization’s president and CEO, said the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi almost never singles out one blood type in a public plea, but felt it had no choice after the patient’s needs surged. As reported by Hawaii News Now, Nguyen said the state had about one and a half weeks of AB plasma on hand, and that replacing a single patient’s full plasma volume could eat through roughly three days of those reserves. “In about three days or so, we will have none of this plasma left on the shelf,” Nguyen told the station.
Why AB plasma matters
AB plasma is considered the universal plasma donor type because it can be transfused to patients of any blood group and is used in burns, liver transplants and major trauma. That role is outlined by the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi, which also notes that people with AB blood make up only a small slice of the donor pool. Because AB is rare and plasma shipments require specialized cold chain transport, the islands cannot quickly lean on mainland supplies when demand suddenly spikes.
How to donate this week
According to Hawaii News Now, donors can make appointments online or by phone to give plasma or other blood products, and the station directs viewers to the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi’s scheduling channels. Donors can call (808) 848-4770 to book a slot or follow scheduling links on BBH public pages, and apheresis, or plasma, collections are typically by reservation. Anyone donating should bring a photo ID and be in good health on the day of their appointment.
Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi officials stress that even people who are not AB donors can help, since whole blood and platelet donations free up specialized products and keep hospitals supplied. For eligibility details, locations and hours, see the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi’s donor pages and consider scheduling a visit this week if you are able.
