Blood Use and Supply during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Early Lessons from Seattle

Physicians and colleagues from the Transfusion Medicine and Hematology Divisions at the University of Washington in Seattle and the local blood supplier, Bloodworks Northwest (BWNW), share their expertise on coping with the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in their community. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported in Washington State on January 21, 2020, and the number of cases rapidly escalated to 150 in the second week of March to more than 750 cases during the third week. During the first week of March, blood donations dropped significantly, but units from other non-affected areas of the country kept inventory levels stable. Strategies for COVID-19 testing outside of the hospital were developed, stringent transfusion criteria were implemented, and daily communication between the blood center and key clinical departments were initiated. During the second week of March when all schools were closed, blood donations recovered in the region, elective surgeries were postponed, and contingency plans were made for a staff-shortage. Washington State is expecting an upward trend in COVID-19 infections during the next several weeks—as of Tuesday morning, March 24, Washington State has reported 2,101 cases and 109 deaths—and will continue to evaluate the blood supply on a daily basis. New York State at this time, is experiencing a massive outbreak with 5,700 new cases reported in one day on Monday, March 23 to bring their total cases to 20,875 as of Tuesday morning, March 24. Resources in New York City are stretched to the breaking point as COVID-19 continues to spread. As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise around the country, more stringent measures may need to be implemented as blood shortages are expected and inventory around the country may be affected. We must all prepare to adapt.

References:

1. Pagano MB, Hess JR, Tsang HC, Staley E, et al. Prepare to adapt: blood supply and transfusion support during the first 2 weeks of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affecting Washington State. Transfusion 2020
2. Smith M, Yourish K, Almukhtar S, Collins K, et al. Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest map and case count. The New York Times
3. AABB’s Coronavirus Resources