Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LAS VEGAS (April 25, 2022) — This week, April 24-30, marks the 46th annual Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. During this time, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is honoring the dedicated team of local scientists, technicians, and medical professionals who collect and test crucial donated blood.

Blood donors and recipients of life-saving transfusions rarely see the laboratory professionals behind the scenes at the American Red Cross. These are the trusted individuals who test every blood donation to ensure it is safe for transfusion, according to Dr. Hank Hanna, Red Cross Medical Director for Nevada and Arizona.

“Our Red Cross laboratory professionals in Southern Nevada and across the country are committed to the high standards that benefit every patient who receives donated blood,” he said. “As the provider of nearly half the nation’s blood supply, we collect, test, and distribute over 5 million life-saving units a year. This would not be possible without the hard work of laboratory professionals.”

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. With the help of volunteer blood donors, the Red Cross distributes blood products across the country daily. “But before blood donations can reach those who need it, laboratory professionals perform more than a dozen tests on each unit to ensure it is free of infectious diseases and ready for transfusion,” Dr. Hanna said. “To carry out this massive undertaking, the Red Cross employs more than 2,200 laboratory and manufacturing team members who work at 147 labs and product distribution facilities nationwide.”

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is an annual celebration designed to recognize medical laboratory professionals and pathologists who play a vital role in every aspect of health care. “Whatever the setting — behind the scenes or out in your community — laboratory professionals are by your side, working as key members of your health care team,” Dr. Hanna said.

The American Red Cross reports that blood supply remains vulnerable. “It’s critically important to maintain a readily available blood supply, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood, platelets, and plasma for those in need,” Dr. Hanna said.

To help ensure all patients have access to the blood products they count on, donors are urged to make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross