The IPST said in a statement that "the current planning of donor sessions and respective forecasts anticipate an improvement in the situation", indicating that "an error in the update of blood reserves in dodor.pt is at the origin of the issue of a possible shortage of donations of blood".

The most affected blood groups are “A negative”, “O negative” and “O positive”.

The IPST highlights the need for “regular and phased donation throughout the year, since in Portuguese hospitals around 1,000 units of blood and blood components are needed every day”, and the components “have a limited storage time (35 to 42 days for erythrocyte concentrates, five to seven days for platelets)".

In addition, "blood donors who are men, can only donate every three months and women, every four months," adds the institute.

The IPST calls for "all who are able" to donate blood, stressing that "a single blood donation can help to save up to three lives".

To be a blood donor, you just need to be between 18 and 65 years old (the age limit for the first donation is 60 years old), weigh 50 kg or more and have healthy lifestyle habits.