Network outage triggers emergency blood shortage
Jan 24, 2014, 4:37 PM | Updated: 5:12 pm
Puget Sound Blood Center has declared an emergency blood shortage in Western Washington after a multi-state network outage forced donors to be turned away. (Photo: AP/file)
(Photo: AP/file)
Puget Sound Blood Center has declared an emergency blood shortage in Western Washington after a multi-state network outage knocked out phone and computer connectivity at donation centers across the state.
The outage affected 40 states and forced donors to be turned away, according to Dr. James AuBuchon, president and CEO of PSBC.
“The network outage caused the loss of both telephone and computer connectivity for most PSBC locations, resulting in cancellation of scheduled blood drives and suspension of collections at all donor centers,” he said. “This triggered an emergency shortage of blood locally.”
The cause of the outage was not immediately known, Dr. AuBuchon said.
PSBC needs to collect roughly 900 units of blood each day to maintain supply levels. Area hospitals have been asked to minimize blood transfusions for the next 48 hours.
“Obviously, many transfusions cannot be delayed. But if there is a choice, we suggest that they make sure the patient truly needs a transfusion before they give it,” Dr. AuBuchon said.
If you are able to give blood, PSBC asks that you make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. You can do so by calling 1-800-398-7888 or by going online to schedule.psbc.org.
