The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has said their supplies are “not critical, but tight” and urged people to consider donating. 

The service likes to have seven days worth of supply for each of the blood groups. However, at present doctors only have a seven day supply of O+. 

“All the others are reduced and the negative groups are particularly low,” Dr Ellen McSweeney explained to Newstalk. 

“O- is five days, A- is only two and B- is 3.2 days.

“So, quite tight.” 

A bsign for a blood donation clinic. Picture by: Alamy Stock Photo.

Demand for blood transfusions has increased significantly in recent years and the winter is an especially busy time for the service. 

“Lots of people are unwell with colds, viruses, flus,” Dr McSweeney added.  

“There are bank holidays, so we can't collect - but we do put on Sunday clinics to try and have times available where people may be available to come.”

For those thinking of donating, Dr McSweeney suggested they head to GiveBlood.ie and take an eligibility quiz. 

Donors must fall within a certain age bracket and there are other restrictions based on a person’s medical and sexual history. 

A man donates blood at the university hospital. Picture by: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa/Alamy Live News.

“Have a look on our website, GiveBlood.ie,” she said. 

“There's loads of information there and if they could pledge to donate, that would be really good.

“In fact, there were two eligibility quizzes but if they could take the quiz, obviously not all criteria are covered in the question, but a lot of the common ones are.

“So, if they could take the quiz that would give them a very good indication as to whether they can donate now or need to be deferred temporarily.”

The website will also direct donors to their nearest clinic where they can book an appointment.

Main image: A person donating blood. Picture by: Alamy.com.