Blood demand is unpredictable and even differs with each blood type. For example O- blood can be given to patients with all blood types. AB+ can only be given to patients with AB+. To be ready to help patients in all Scottish hospitals, whenever they need it, we aim to stock six days’ worth of each blood type at all times.

Blood has a very short shelf life and can’t be stockpiled, so every day we depend on donors to help maintain our blood stocks.

Our blood stocks are updated online every weekday, so you can always see which blood types we need most.