Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic put out an urgent call for blood donations March 15 after a surge left its blood bank with depleted supplies, according to the Post-Bulletin.
The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Center used about a week's worth of blood in 24 hours, depleting the supply, according to Justin Kreuter, MD, the medical director of the blood center, who was cited in the report.
Although the blood center is looking for A-positive and O-negative blood as well as platelets, Dr. Kreuter noted that "People shouldn't stay away because they think we have enough of their type."
While the blood bank has enough supplies to cover demand, it does not have the level of supply to deal with another unexpected surge.
The Blood Donor Center expects to replenish the supply as early as March 20, if donors come in steadily.