The American Red Cross, VUMC’s main blood supplier, has shared with us that mass cancellations of more than 4,500 blood drives during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more than 140,000 fewer blood units donated. In anticipation of at least a 25% reduction in the blood supply, the VUMC Transfusion Committee drafted these best practice guidelines for appropriate use of blood products to help us all conserve VUMC’s blood supply. Additionally, two best practice alerts went live in eStar on March 18 to assist with ordering appropriate packed red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma blood orders. See the link at the bottom of the story.