Patients urged to bank blood

Some doctors are encouraging patients to use their own blood during surgery as a means of relieving the blood shortage in the city.

"We strongly encourage more patients to use autotransfusion. It is safe and can also save donor blood for urgent cases," said a doctor, surnamed Bai, from Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

"Especially for pregnant women and those waiting for bone surgery, autotransfusion can be easily practiced," Bai added.