1. On average, 45 to 50 units of blood are used at the hospital each week.

2. Blood stocks are decided by historical figures at KEMH. There are no minimum amounts that must be kept on hand.

3. The most widely type of blood used is O positive.

4. The blood bank aims to have the following amounts on hand: O positive 50 units; A positive 40 units; B positive 12 units; O negative 12 units; A negative 8 units. The remaining blood types of B negative, AB positive and AB negative are usually held in small amounts — about four units. Donors have been identified and are called in when these rare blood types are required.

5. Blood expires after 42 days.

6. Blood is refrigerated.

7. Bermuda residents provide KEMH with enough blood to service the Island’s needs. Blood can be imported, but has only been done in the case of very rare blood types.

(Facts obtained from Dr. Betsie Lombard, Consultant Haemotologist at KEMH.)