This month’s "Pints for Half Pints: Giving Kids Another Chance" article will focus on premature babies.

Children born prematurely may have many complications. Generally, the more prematurely a baby is born, the greater the risk of respiratory distress, life-threatening bloodstream infections, seizures and even death. Low birth weight is another factor that can affect a baby’s health.

Many blood tests are needed for premature babies every day to identify any new problems as they develop. As a result, they often can become anemic. Transfusions of red blood cells are used to treat anemia and help them to develop normally.

Blood donors with O Rh negative blood that tests negative for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) are used for transfusing premature babies.

O Rh negative blood can be given to any patient without the possibility of rejection; this is the universal blood type. Only 6.6 percent of the population has type O Rh negative blood. What makes the blood of these special donors even more unique is the absence of antibodies to CMV. This virus is common, approximately half of all adults have had it and can pass it on with a blood donation. Receiving a blood transfusion that tests positive for CMV is usually not a problem, unless the patient is a premature baby or immunosuppressed. Premature babies exposed to CMV can die or acquire permanent neurological deficits.

Our community has approximately 170 O Rh negative, CMV negative blood donors. Each week, nine donors are needed so that an ample and very fresh supply of this blood is on hand. We ask a lot of these donors and they always come through.