SANBS advises donors regarding Covid-19
It is important to know that there is presently no evidence that supports that Covid-19 can be transmitted through blood.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has given guidelines to people who donate blood amidst the outbreak of Covid-19.
“It is important to know that there is presently no evidence that supports that Covid-19 can be transmitted through blood. Blood cells lack the binding sites required by Covid-19. Diagnostic tests for Covid-19 are not done on blood, but on throat swabs and sputum samples,” reinforced Dr Jackie Thomson, medical director of SANBS.
At the SANBS they are closely following the guidelines issued by the NICD which promote healthy personal hygiene practices, both in their offices and at the fixed and mobile donor centres. They encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of fellow citizens. If you are feeling unwell or exhibiting any clinical symptoms of infection (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and shortness of breath), you are encouraged to delay donation until you are in good health.
As precautionary measures and to ensure the safety of blood and blood products SANBS will implement the following deferrals:
• People who have travelled to affected countries outside of South Africa will be deferred for 21 days.
• People with confirmed cases of coronavirus infection will be deferred for 28 days from the date of complete clearance of symptoms.
• People who have been in close contact with confirmed or probable Coronavirus cases will be deferred for 21 days from the last date of contact.
The SANBS donor centres will remain operational across the country. Feel free to speak to their qualified staff at donation centres or call their Customer Services Centre on 0800 119 031 if you have any questions or concerns.
