LifeSouth seeks rare blood to help patient

LifeSouth Donation Center on Newberry Road.
LifeSouth Donation Center on Newberry Road.
Seth Johnson

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers are searching for rare blood donors to help a patient suffering from an acute sickle cell disease crisis.

According to a LifeSouth release sent Wednesday, a patient at a hospital served by LifeSouth needs ongoing blood transfusions from specially matched donors. African American blood donors have a higher probability to match the patient.   

“We have a sickle cell patient in crisis with a very rare red blood cell profile. A national search for blood has been so far unsuccessful,” said Dr. Chris Lough, Life South’s Vice President of Medical Services, in the release. “Our best chance of finding compatible products is from African American donors. We are testing 100% of African American donors for compatibility for help fill this critical patient need.”

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Sickle cell disease — a genetic disorder affecting the body’s red blood cells — causes blood cells to be sickle shaped. The sickle shaped blood cells then have a difficult time passing through blood vessels. It can lead to breathlessness, unbearable pain, fatigue, swelling of joints, hands and feet and other severe complications that can include stroke.

For additional information about donating or finding a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth at 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org. Appointments can also be made online.

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