Nationwide Shortage of Vacutainer® Blood Collection Tubes and Group O-Positive Blood Shortage at NM ​

September 24, 2021 | 1 min. to read

There is a nationwide shortage of nearly all types of blood collection tubes used across Northwestern Medicine. The shortage is expected to last through the first quarter of 2022.

The existing and future limited stocks of all blood collection tubes need to be used sparingly and judiciously. As the most important conservation measure, order only those tests essential for patient care.
 
Additionally, there is an ongoing nationwide shortage of group O red blood cell (RBC) supplies, particularly O-positive. As a result, the NM O-positive RBC inventory is significantly lower than normal. Versiti Blood Centers of Illinois, NM's blood supplier, does not anticipate significant improvement for the remainder of this year.
 
Follow the NM Indication for the Transfusion of Blood Products in the Adult Patient Population policy to guide best practices for blood use and help conserve limited resources. Give only one RBC unit at a time and reassess unless there is active blood loss. Additional mitigation strategies, such as lowering the normal hemoglobin transfusion threshold in patients taking type O blood may become necessary.
 
NM will continue to monitor inventory and provide updates as needed. To donate blood at an upcoming blood drive at NM, view the blood drives page on NM Interactive (login required).
 
For specific concerns or questions, please contact your hospital’s Blood Bank.