Up to 90% of extremely low birth weight infants need transfusions. A Feb. 27 blood drive aims to keep fresh blood ready for San Antonio’s most fragile patients.
SAN ANTONIO — Some of San Antonio’s tiniest patients depend on blood donations to survive.
St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital is hosting a blood drive Friday, Feb. 27, to support newborns in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), especially very low birth weight and premature infants.
Hospital leaders say up to 80 to 90 percent of extremely low birth weight babies require red blood cell transfusions. Because newborns need very fresh blood, ideally less than seven days old, maintaining a steady supply is critical.
“At St. Luke’s, our threshold is blood that is five days old or less,” said Sheryl McAnally, RN, administrative director of NEST Women’s Services. “That means we rely on a consistent, strong blood supply for our smallest patients.”
NICU babies are at high risk for anemia and often need transfusions to improve oxygen levels while their tiny lungs and hearts continue developing.
Blood donations also help mothers experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, a life-threatening condition involving severe bleeding after childbirth. In the U.S., 1 in every 83 childbirths requires a transfusion.
The blood drive runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Strunk Auditorium at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital, 7930 Floyd Curl Drive. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be made through the South Texas Blood donor portal.
Hospital officials say one donation can help save multiple lives, including some of the smallest in San Antonio.