Is Inova Blood Donor Services separate from the American Red Cross? Yes. Inova Blood Donor Services is a separate organization that is not affiliated with the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is a national organization that collects 45 percent of the blood in the United States. The remainder of the blood is collected by independent blood centers and hospital-based blood centers. Inova Blood Donor Services is a hospital-based blood center that collects blood for patients in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Which hospitals does Inova Blood Donor Services serve? Inova Blood Donor Services supplies blood to patients at 15 hospitals in the Washington DC metropolitan area. We are the primary supplier to 10 hospitals and we supplement 5 additional hospitals:
* Supplemental hospital
Additionally, on an as needed basis, we are a supplemental supplier to other area hospitals and hospitals across the nation.
How did Inova Blood Donor Services manage the extra blood collected because of September 11? We implemented a plan to limit the number of donors during the time period following September 11. As a result, we expired less than 20 units of blood that were collected during this time period. Additionally, we collected names and phone numbers of potential donors and encouraged them to donate in the next few months to ensure that a consistent blood supply would be available every day for patients in need.
When does blood expire? Blood has a shelf life of 42 days, but donors can only give blood only every 56 days. As a result, there is a critical time lapse between when blood expires and when donors can donate again. Consequently, Inova Blood Donor Services needs continuing donations to maintain an adequate supply of blood.
How many donations are needed each day? Inova Blood Donor Services needs to collect at least 200 donations of blood every day, seven days a week, all year round to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply for patients in need.
What is the frequency of blood types?
O+
38%
O-
7%
A+
34%
A-
6%
B+
9%
B-
2%
AB+
3.4%
AB-
0.6%
What blood type is the Universal Donor? Blood group (or type) O is the Universal Donor. Patients of any blood type can receive type O blood. Click here for more information.
50 Facts About Blood
How can donors make an appointment or learn more? Donors may call 1-866-BloodSaves (1-866-256-6372) or make an appointment online
LESS THAN ONE DAY SUPPLY OF BLOOD
RBC Inventory Status
Status