The sunny weather has led to a sharp drop in the number of blood donations given in the last week and this is expected to fall further next week.
Supply is down to just four days’ worth of blood. The low levels could pose a risk over the bank holiday weekend if donations do not increase before the end of the week.
Every year during the Leaving Cert exams there is a large decrease in people donating due to increased activity in the home and the seasonal good weather.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service needs 2,800 people to donate blood every week to ensure there is enough blood in circulation for operations and emergencies.
It has launched a new campaign to increase public awareness of blood types and to encourage donors to bring a friend when next giving blood.