Red Cross collects more blood than it can store

(Washington-AP) -- American Red Cross officials admit they've had to discard some recent blood donations that couldn't be frozen in time. <br><br>Red Cross Senior Vice President Bill Blaul says

Monday, November 12th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Washington-AP) -- American Red Cross officials admit they've had to discard some recent blood donations that couldn't be frozen in time.

Red Cross Senior Vice President Bill Blaul says the agency -- which supplies half the nation's blood -- has a ten-day supply on hand.

It has also frozen a half-day supply.

Blaul says the agency hopes to freeze more to ensure adequate blood in case of national emergencies.

There has been a recent rush of donations because of the terror attacks.

Blood experts have been critical of the agency for encouraging more donations because there were relatively few survivors in New York.

Of the blood collected, Blaul says less than ten percent was destroyed.

But a Sunday Washington Post story quoted local blood bank directors who say more was discarded.