OPERATIONS may have to be delayed after a fifth of the blood used to supply Hong Kong hospitals had to be thrown away because of a refrigeration failure.
The blood was in two out of nine fridges at the Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service which failed.
Hospital chief executive of the Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Lin Che-kit, said the general blood supply situation was 'healthy' and no patients had been affected.
The wasted blood - whole blood and red cell concentrate - was the equivalent of 800 donations, or two days' supply to territory hospitals.
But Public Doctors' Association president Dr Yip Wai-chun believed the annual Lunar New Year exodus of donors meant a shortage could see non-emergency surgery being put off until supplies were back to normal.
'It is a substantial amount. That will lead to a shortage problem, particularly for surgery and emergencies,' he said.
'Patients may have to wait longer for surgery. It is quite a concern.' The Red Cross is organising a Valentine's Day donor drive today, with gifts for those who participate. Details of places and times are available from the Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service on 2710 1333.
