Strengthening the blood supply: Awareness, challenges and donor impact
Rhea-AI Summary
QuidelOrtho (Nasdaq: QDEL) released episode 55 of its Science Bytes podcast on Jan 22, 2026, featuring Michelle Mullens, Global Portfolio Marketing Manager for Transfusion Medicine. Mullens discusses pressures on the blood supply from routine trauma and climate-driven emergencies, rising demand for O-type units due to low-titer whole blood programs, the role of automation in immunohematology, and the importance of year-round donor engagement. The episode highlights the link between donors, diagnostics, and patient care and is available on major streaming platforms and the company's website.
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News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, QDEL gained 3.87%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. This price movement added approximately $79M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $2.11B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key insights:
- Everyday and climate-driven emergencies strain supply: Routine trauma, traffic injuries and increasingly frequent weather events create unpredictable demand for blood products
- Universal types face rising pressure: Growth in prehospital low-titer whole blood programs accelerates consumption of O-type units, requiring more targeted donor recruitment and precise inventory management
- Automation strengthens resilience: Standardized, high-throughput immunohematology platforms enhance safety, ensure operational continuity during surges and enable staff to focus on complex cases
- All donors matter: Every blood type plays a vital role in supporting both direct transfusion needs and the diagnostic reagents that make safe transfusion possible
In this episode, Mullens and host Josh Casey explore how evolving clinical practices, climate disruptions and persistent background demand shape the modern blood supply. They highlight the interconnected ecosystem linking donors, diagnostics and patient care, and why dependable, year-round donations are essential to maintaining safety across the healthcare continuum.
The QuidelOrtho Science Bytes podcast is available on major streaming platforms and at: https://www.quidelortho.com/us/en/resources/podcasts/quidelortho-science-bytes.
About QuidelOrtho Corporation
With expertise spanning clinical chemistry, immunoassay, immunohematology and molecular testing, QuidelOrtho Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading global provider of diagnostic solutions, dedicated to advancing fast, accurate and reliable results that help improve patient outcomes – from the point of care to lab, clinic to hospital. Building on a legacy of innovation, QuidelOrtho works with healthcare providers to advance diagnostics that connect insights with solutions, defining a clearer path for informed decisions and better care.
Investor Contact:
Juliet Cunningham
Vice President, Investor Relations
IR@QuidelOrtho.com
Media Contact:
D. Nikki Wheeler
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
Media@QuidelOrtho.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strengthening-the-blood-supply-awareness-challenges-and-donor-impact-302667402.html
SOURCE QuidelOrtho Corporation
FAQ
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