Warning of blood shortages
10th January 2012
By Jo Hartley
A potential shortage of blood for transfusion as a result of growing demand and poor clinical practice on when to use specific blood products have been highlighted as major concerns for Australia’s blood service.
A report commissioned by the Federal Government - and obtained by The Australian newspaper under a Freedom of Information request - warns that future demand for blood threatens to outstrip supply due to an aging population and a decreased pool of donors.
Outdated clinical decision-making over when to use blood products - especially red blood cells for iron