Blood Shortage Puts Surgeries on Hold

A critical shortage of blood has forced the cancellation of elective surgeries in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta, the American Red Cross said in Washington. The Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers, which together represent virtually all U.S. blood banks, reported severe shortages at a season when blood supplies are usually adequate. The reason for the shortage is increased demand, much of it because of the increased number of such complex therapies as chemotherapy, organ transplants and heart surgeries, which require large amounts of blood and blood products, both groups said.