SALT LAKE CITY -- The Red Cross urges all healthy, eligible blood donors to make an appointment to donate blood anytime.
The organization said all blood types are crucial to maintaining a sufficient blood supply, with special emphasis on blood types O negative, A negative, and B negative.
However, the Red Cross also said blood from a donor with a similar ethnic background to that of the patient is less likely to cause complications, particularly in cases requiring multiple transfusions.
Specifically, blood type and Rh factor must be matched between donated blood and the recipient. In certain circumstances, additional red cell markers in donated blood must also match. The Red Cross said such markers are best found from donors of similar ethnic background.
For more information about donating blood and appointment scheduling, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App and visit redcrossblood.org.
You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
