SA blood levels critically low

This according to the South African National Blood Services which has made an urgent plea to the public to donate blood.

“If the public does not respond immediately, there is absolutely nothing we can do,” said spokesperson Vanessa Raju.

“Patients who are reliant on the blood for their survival will not be able to get blood and this can result in patients dying.”

The blood services has described the situation as a crisis with the current blood stock at less than 1.5 days, which was significantly lower than the required five-day levels.

“There has been an unexpected poor turnout of donors over recent weeks which has had a great impact on blood collections… [blood services] is therefore calling on all eligible and current donors to make blood donation their highest priority,” she said.

According to Raju, the blood services was concerned that if its stock did not get a much-needed boost, a major crisis loomed as the festive season approached.

“[The blood services] needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times, by collecting 3 000 units of blood per day to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival.”

Traditionally, September was a difficult time for the service due to preliminary exams and preparation for the final quarter of the year, making it generally impossible to hold blood drives at schools and universities, she explained.

However, poor turnouts at company and organisational blood drives had badly impacted the blood stock levels.

The blood services was currently implementing a cut-back approach, reducing the number of units of blood it provided based on the units of blood available, and this would continue until the supply increased.

Due to the critical shortage, the blood services had requested all hospitals and medical staff to cut back on and postpone planned operations.

Members of the public who meet the minimum requirements to give the gift of life are urged to donate blood.

The minimum requirements for blood donation include being between 16 and 65 years old and in good health, weighing 50kg or more and leading a sexually safe lifestyle.

Members of public could visit www.sanbs.org.za or call toll 080 011 9031 to find out where their nearest donor centre was based.