BLOOD donors in Glasgow have been urged to donate “ASAP” because of shortages of the most common type.

The city’s blood banks is running low on stocks of O positive, which can also be given to patients with other blood groups.

Regular donors have been sent an alert text message urging them to donate.

Blood donations are used to treat patients with cancer, with anaemia, after accidents or childbirth complications, or during surgery.

The Scottish National Blood said it was common for donation centres to experience a 15% drop in donors around September and October due to half-term holidays and also due to more people going abroad for some late sun.

She stressed there was no issue with supplies to Glasgow’s hospitals but said donors were being urged to come forward to help replenish stocks.

Supplies of blood and platelets can drop dramatically in winter, when A&E attendances traditionally increase.

Almost half of the UK population (48%) has blood group O.

Dr Moira Carter, associate director at SNBTS, said: “One of the things is that during school holidays and public holidays, donor attendances can drop by up to 15%.

“We area also finding that more people are tending to go away for some late Summer sun, we have noticed that recently.

“One of the things about O positive is that because it is the most common blood type, people always assume there are lots of people donating.

“However, because it’s the most common, it’s the most that is in most demand.

“It can also be used for people with blood groups.

“Sending texts messages is a really good way to reach people.

“There is no panic.

“There is no issue with supplies to the hospitals but we are trying to get our supplies built up.

“We are lucky that as soon as we contact our donors they generally respond.”

Scotland’s most serious blood shortage in recent years was in 2006, when blood donor numbers dropped to a 20-year low.

The SNBT anticipates demand for red cells and other products will rise as a result of Scotland’s ageing population.

To find out more about donating and to book an appointment call 03459090999. Donors are asked to leave 12 weeks between donations.