Pet Blood Bank Stock Levels Remain Healthy During Coronavirus
4 years ago 
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Charity Pet Blood Bank UK would like to reassure vets that their stocks of plasma and consumables are healthy and can be ordered as needed. But, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there have been challenges with red cell stock levels.
With many venues unable to allow them into practices, owners shielding, and dogs having to donate without their owners with them, the charity has seen fewer dogs than normal, therefore reducing the number of units collected. This has significantly affected the supply of red cells with the charity currently only dispatching for cases. As restrictions continue to ease, Pet Blood Bank is confident that by working with its host venues, they will be able to increase the number of donors attending and thus increase stock of red cells.
However, Pet Blood Bank is reassuring that their stocks of plasma products, which have a shelf life of up to five years, and consumables are healthy. Practices can order these items via the blood bank website or by phone if the case is urgent.
Pet Blood Bank continues to encourage all vet practices to blood type every patient before ordering. This is to ensure they are reserving the supply of negative blood for those dogs who need it. Due to the low stock levels, the charity is processing most of its blood units into half units to enable the most efficient use of blood. There is a transfusion calculator available on their website to help you calculate how much blood you need so you can order only what you will use. This means we can help more dogs with the blood available.
If you need blood for a case, please call Pet Blood Bank on 01509 232 222 so they can discuss this with you. You can place online orders for non-urgent cases or stock at www.petbloodbankuk.org.
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