(09/14/06) NEWARK ? Staff members at some New Jersey hospitals haven?t ruled out the possibility of surgery delays amid a massive blood donor drought.

Although the blood shortage was somewhat expected, it doesn?t lessen the concern among doctors. Emergency room doctors say the average person would be shocked at how much blood is used on a trauma patient.

Administrators say they often have difficulty getting donors to roll up their sleeves in the summer months. According to hospital representatives, it is difficult to get the word out about donations with families on vacations and kids out of school. Although hospitals haven?t had to delay any types of surgery, administrators say that may become necessary if things don?t change.