What is the process when donating blood?

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has various measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of blood donors and patients.

These measures ensure that our blood supply is among the safest in the world.

When you donate blood you will be required to complete a self-exclusion questionnaire (SEQ).

The questions are meant to assess your health and lifestyle to ensure you are well enough to donate blood and that your blood will not be of risk to a patient who may receive it.

This is followed by a one-on-one interview with the nurse who goes through the questions to ensure that the questions are understood and that the donor understands the importance of being honest on the questionnaire.

Your blood pressure and haemoglobin (iron) levels are checked (the checking of your iron level is done with a small prick to your finger).

If you meet the criteria you may continue. If not, you will be deferred.

So what happens next?

When you are comfortable on the chair your name, address and date of birth will be confirmed.

A nurse will examine your arm and place a cuff on your upper arm to maintain a small amount of pressure during donation (this does not measure blood pressure).

A suitable vein will then be found and the arm cleaned with an antiseptic sponge before a needle is inserted in your arm which will collect your blood into a blood bag with your unique number.

Read: Blood donations encouraged during lockdown

“We only use new, sterile needles which are used once and incinerated thereafter,” said SANBS.

A scale weighs the blood and stops when you have donated 480ml. This usually takes between 5-10 minutes.

In addition to the blood bag donated, 3 small vials of blood will also be collected.

These are sent for further testing with the unique number that refers back to the blood donated.

You should not feel any discomfort or pain during the donating process. If you do, tell a member of staff immediately.

Once the blood is collected the needle will be removed and a sterile dressing applied to your arm.

You are requested to remain seated for a few minutes once you have donated.

The blood donation process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Remember these tips:

• Increase your fluid intake for four to six hours after donation.
• Avoid strenuous physical exercise or heavy lifting with the arm used for donating for two hours.
• Do not smoke for at least half an hour after donation.

How often should I donate?

You can donate blood every 56 days and we would like donors to commit to regular blood donation.

This means at least four donations during a two-year period.

This will assist in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply.

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or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za

 or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za

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