Milford chronicle., 1960-04-22
Blood Bank OF
Delaware Great Aid
To Replacement

The Blood Bank of Delaware is
contributing greatly to the devel-
Opment of new sources of blood re-
placement at the states nine COM
munity hospitals, according to a
study recently completed. or spe-
ciaI benefit to hospitals and patients
alike is the increased availability
of rare blood types.
More than 10000 pints of blood
have been supplied by members of
the Blood Bank since the plan be-
gan operating in May 1866. Many OF
these donors had never given a
blood TRANSMISSION before. Now with
a membership of $4,000 families, the
Blood Bank averages supplying one
pint of blood replacement every two
hours around the clock.
During 1859, members were call
ed on to give 1000 replacement
pints. Twenty per cent or approx
imately 500 of the 1000 pints was
classified as rare blood. Substi-
tute donors whose types were not
included in the study and subscrib-
7ers having o positive and A posi-
tive blood types accounted for the
remaining 80 per cent. On the ma
tional average rs per cent of the
population have either o positive
or A positive blood types.
Projecting the 1859 figures,
Blood Bank members have contri-
buted a minimum of 2,4O0 pints of
rare blood during the plans first
five years. 1t is estimated that
6,400 members who have not been
called have rare blood types.
How rare is a rare blood type ?
A study of Blood Bank members
who donated last year Substitute
donors not included) indicates that
20 out of 1000 persons have o neg
ative; SO out of 1000 have B posi-
tive; 25 out of 1000 have ALB posi-
tive; out of 1000 have ABB mega
tive; Is out of 1000 have B mega
tive, and 81 out of 1000 have A
negative.
The Blood Bank provides hospi-
tails with two pints of blood for
every one used by its subscribers.
but it is not obligated to replace
with any specific type. However,
as more blood types of subscribers
became known, the requirements
can be more evenly matched with
the needs.
I'VE continue to believe that each
blood type group can take care of
itself, thus eliminating any emer-
gencies relating to the supply of
particular type" James F. Nc
Closkey, president of the Blood
Bank commented.
at would be relatively easy to
match requirements with needs If
all subscribers listed their blood
types on their blood QUESTIONABLE
cards. Members are also urged to
inform the Blood Bank of their
blood type by indicating it when
they renew their membership.
''The study points up the need
for more information On blood
types" he said. "A statewide
blood tipping program has been
one of the aims of the Blood Bank
since its beginning. but because
of the lack of funds it has not been
possible to undertake this project.
ALSO it is obvious that persons
who have rare blood types especial
Iy need the protection of member
ship in the Blood Bank of Della
ware and should make their types
known to the Blood Bank The
Blood Bank makes 1t possible for
them to share with each other in
times of need. 1t eliminates un-
necessary imposition on few, who
many times in the past had no re-
course when they needed aid"
Members with rare blood types
are not called on to donate any
more often than those with more
common types. At the present rate
of use, after member has given,
he is not called again for five to
seven years.
Even without adequate infor-
nation on rare blood types, the
Blood Bank has made and contin-
ues to make important contrfbu-
tions. We encourage all citizens of
the state with rare blood types to
join this neighbor-help-neighbor
program to solve their mutual blood
replacement problems" Mr.. Me-
CIoskey concluded.
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