How do I manage long‐term blood component shortages in a hospital transfusion service?

INTRODUCTION Temporary blood component shortages are common in some areas of the United States (US) and can usually be managed with short-term solutions.1However, a widespread, long-term shortage that leaves the blood industry with insufficient blood components to serve urgent medical needs requires additional mitigation strategies. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that caused the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents the greatest threat to the blood supply in recent memory. If the COVID-19 pandemic continues unchecked, the downward trend in blood collections will likely con-tinue.2Hospital transfusion services may be faced with unprecedented long-term shortages in blood products. A careful and thoughtful response can help hospitals to steward the blood supply so that blood components areavailable for patients with the greatest need. A phased plan that is responsive to regional and national inventory levels is needed; the rigor of the measures should be proportional to the severity of the shortage.