Blood stocks are slowly increasing but remain lower than the required five days of cover. Since last month, the demand for blood has been higher than the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) collections, especially for blood groups O and B.
“We thank our donors for the increased collections, but we are not in the safe zone yet,” said Thandi Mosupye, the SANBS senior manager of marketing, communication and branding.
“We urge everyone, including active, lapsed and potential donors, to continue donating to ensure ongoing adequate national stocks.”
To adequately cater for SA’s blood needs, 3 500 blood units are needed to serve the needs of hospitals and clinical requirements daily.
On average, five days of cover is the minimum safe supply needed in the blood bank.
Currently, SANBS collects enough blood for three days, an improvement from 2.7 days last week, but is still under the national requirement of five days.
“It is imperative to maintain a sturdy blood supply. When stock levels drop to 2.5 days or below, restrictions on blood orders are a likely eventuality. We are relieved that we are not there yet,” said Mosupye.
“This process is implemented when blood bank stocks are at the critical level of 2.5 days and below.”
SANBS has 83 blood banks supporting almost 500 transfusion facilities.
To allow access to this life-saving treatment without delay in a crisis, SANBS also has about 450 emergency fridges stocked with only Group O red cells (the blood group that can go to groups O, A, B and AB) – for use in life-threatening bleeding situations.
Restrictions on orders are only applied in non-emergency situations and in consultation with doctors.
In non-emergency situations, clinicians have time to wait for a crossmatch. The patient can receive blood from a corresponding blood group – not putting strain on the scarce group O stock.
This way, the group O units can be reserved for emergencies and other group O patients.
Blood stocks are still below stable levels. To alleviate the situation, the SANBS appeals to everyone eligible to donate blood and willing to help save lives to find their nearest donation centre by visiting www.sanbs.org.za, calling 0800 11 90 31, or going to @theSANBS on major social media platforms.
To be eligible to donate, you must be aged between 16 and 75 and weigh more than 50kg.
