High demand for A positive blood

5 April, 2022

Interview by Trishil Dahya, adapted by Jessica Hopkins 

The New Zealand Blood Service is calling on those with A positive blood to donate to replenish their reserves. Photo: New Zealand Blood Service.

Listen to the full interview here

National Manager of Marketing and Communications at the New Zealand Blood Service, Asuka Burge, told Trishil Dahya on 95bFM's The Wire that they are in need of over 1000 units of A positive blood per week to keep up with demand. 

"We've seen a 19% above average overall blood demand increase in A positive specifically. We now only have four days of stock compared to the normal ten days we hold." 

The Blood Service previously told The Wire that their donor centres and mobile drives are dealing with limited donors and several cancellations because of COVID-19.

Burge encouraged first-time donors to find out their eligibility to give blood.

"30% of people have A positive blood."

To check your eligbility and find out where you can donate blood, Burge says you can download the NZ Blood Donor App, go on their website, or call 0800 GIVE BLOOD. 

Public interest journalism funded through NZ On Air