ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The holy month of Ramadan plays havoc with blood donations in Abu Dhabi, a consultant pathologist at the blood collection and distribution center said.
"Donors are off on holiday, and it is often difficult to maintain our minimum supply of 600 units," Dr. Maria Araneta told Gulf News Web site.
Just one blood bank in Abu Dhabi supplies both the capital city and the Emirate's Western Region's daily need for 150 units of blood, Araneta said.
"A liver transplant with a recipient and live donor requires almost 100 units, because each patient requires more than 50 units. So on those days we try to plan ahead and have enough blood available," she said.
While the supply of blood maybe limited over the summer months, Araneta said she was not aware of it causing delays in surgery.
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