Blood donation guidelines for the Covid-19 era

The safety of donors, staff and overall South African community are of utmost importance to the SANBS and extensive precautionary measures have been taken to ensure donor safety.

July 12, 2020

Charmaine Slater 2 minutes read

As the winter chill starts to intensify, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is anticipating critical blood supply shortages.

At a time when people are focused on staying warm and avoiding contracting the Covid-19 infection, little concern is available for much else.

“We are hoping, however, that donors who are due to donate are able to find the time to make a difference to the lives of others by donating blood.

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“We anticipate added pressure on the blood supply due to the cold temperatures and the added effects of the Covid-19 outbreak could see the number of eligible donors decrease significantly,” said Silungile Mlambo, chief marketing officer at SANBS.

The safety of donors, staff and overall South African community are of utmost importance to the SANBS and extensive precautionary measures have been taken to ensure donor safety.

All persons accessing donor clinics are thoroughly screened and anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms or symptoms of infections is advised to delay donation until they are well.

Blood donation is still safe during this time and persons confirmed with Covid-19 infection or who are at risk will be deferred from donation as follows:

Individuals who have travelled overseas will be deferred for 28 days from date of return from these countries
Individuals with confirmed diagnosis with Covid-19 infection will be deferred for 28 days from date of complete clearance of symptoms
Individuals who have had close contact with anyone with confirmed or probable Covd-19 infection will be deferred for 28 days from last date of contact and
Anyone exhibiting flu symptoms on day of donation will be deferred for seven days.

“The imminent shortages pose a real danger to the health-care systems.

“Please help us avoid potential blood shortages over the next few months and help those in need.

“Your blood saves lives,” Mlambo said.

It is important to note that individuals are not at risk of contracting Covid-19 through the blood donation process or via a blood transfusion since respiratory viruses are generally not known to be transmittable by donation or transfusion.

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To be eligible to donate blood, you need to: