Blood update

Types needed: O-positive, O-negative and AB-negative Blood facts: Virginia Blood Services' components lab has a blast freezer that is used to quickly freeze plasma to minus-22 degrees, so special clotting factors are sustained until the blood is thawed and used in the hospital setting. Plasma can be frozen solid in less than eight hours.

For more details: Call Virginia Blood Services at 359-5100, ext. 4105, or visit www.vablood.org to schedule an appointment to donate at one of its four Richmond-area locations. VBS, a nonprofit organization, supplies blood to all Richmond and central Virginia hospitals.