Blood Shortage Monitoring: Comparison of the Supply Situation During the Omicron Surge and at the Tail End of the COVID-19 Pandemic this Year

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective The COVID-19 pandemic was marked by the first-ever declaration of a severe blood crisis by the American Red Cross in 2022. During this blood crisis, the, there were significant shortages of blood products that required precise monitoring of the current stock for communication and collaboration with the clinical team to ensure uninterrupted patient care. The blood supply gradually improved since 2022’s blood crisis, particularly as the public health emergency related to COVID-19 ended on May 11th, 2023. However, published literature on the comparison of the blood supply in the last calendar months of the public health emergency versus during the blood shortage is sparse. Methods/Case Report From January 28th, 2022, to February 28th, 2022, the amount of red blood cell (RBC) inventory was noted along with the percentage reduction from usual pre-crisis inventory level. This inventory information was communicated with the clinical services to coordinate clinical care during the blood supply crisis. Additionally, a separate inventory comparison to cover the last 5 calendar months (including May) until the end of the Public Health Emergency on May 11th, 2023, was performed from January 1st, 2023, to May 11th, 2023. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) During the crisis from January 28th, 2022, to February 28th, 2022, there were significant reductions in red blood cell inventory (up to 67% reduction in O+ units and 75% for A+ units). Collaboration with the clinical team and efforts to procure and conserve blood products enabled continuity of clinical care. On the other hand, there was documented improvement in the blood inventory at the tail end of the pandemic (January 1st, 2023, to May 11th, 2023) with average inventory reductions of only 19% in O+ units and 43% in A+ units. Conclusion There was a significant blood shortage during the Omicron surge of 2022 that required inventory monitoring, collaboration with the clinical team, and efforts to procure and conserve blood products to ensure continued successful clinical care. As the pandemic’s public health emergency neared its end, the blood supply situation has been improving substantially.