Blood stocks reach critical low
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is experiencing a critically low blood stock in KZN and desperately needs donors.
BLOOD stocks at local hospitals have reached a critical low prompting the South African National Blood Service to issue a desperate public appeal for donors to step forward.
Group O blood, the universal blood group that can be given to anyone in an emergency is needed urgently. Blood collections drop drastically over the holiday season resulting in daily average of about 1.8 day’s blood being available during this peak holiday season.
This is far less than the 5 day stock required to be collected by the SANBS to ensure that the country’s demand for safe and adequate blood is met. SANBS needs to collect 3000 units of blood a day to meet the country’s demand.
All South Africans who meet the minimum requirements are asked to commit to donating blood, especially at this very difficult period. This act of kindness can save up to three lives.
Minimum requirements to be a donor; be between the ages of 16 – 65 years, weigh more than 50 kg, be in good health and live a sexually safe lifestyle.
To find the nearest donor centre phone 0800 11 9031, visit www.sanbs.org.za, Facebook.com/SANBS or follow Twitter @theSANBS.
