TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s nationwide blood supply has fallen to low levels, with inventories averaging 5.1 days as of Friday morning, the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation said.

A stable reserve is typically maintained for seven to 10 days. Stocks between four and seven days indicate a shortage, while supplies below four days are considered critical, according to CTEE.

By blood type, the current nationwide average stands at 5.4 days for Type A, 5.8 days for Type B, 4.3 days for Type O, and 6.5 days for Type AB.

Taipei is reporting the most severe shortages, with the city’s average whole blood reserves down to four days. Average local supplies in the capital stand at 4.6 days for Type A, four days for Type B, 3.3 days for Type O, and 6.4 days for Type AB.

Taichung is also reporting a critical shortage of Type O blood, with average reserves at just 3.7 days. The foundation warned that continued low stock levels could disrupt routine and emergency medical care at hospitals nationwide.

Officials attributed the decline primarily to reduced donations ahead of the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday beginning Feb. 14, as many residents travel or attend family gatherings. Recent temperature fluctuations and unstable weather have also led to more people falling ill, further dampening donor turnout.

At the same time, hospitals have reported rising demand for blood. Hospitals nationwide use an average of 6,626 blood bags per day, according to TVBS.

Each unit of whole blood in Taiwan is collected in a 250-ml bag, containing about 220 ml of blood and 30 ml of preservative solution, according to CareOnline. The Taiwan Blood Services Foundation urged eligible donors to help boost reserves, which it had aimed to raise above 10 days before the holiday to ensure hospitals have sufficient blood.