What you should know about Covid-19 and blood donation

The past weekend the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) had a blood drive at Jimmy Jaggers in Parys where 39 units of blood were donated by Parysenaars. Thank you to all who supported the blood drive. 

Gerhard Nienaber supporting the Blood Drive in Parys on Saturday.

Let’s look at some frequently asked questions

1. Are donor centres still operating?

The South African National Blood Services’  donor centres remain operational across the country. The situation with the outbreak is still developing and we will keep you informed on all issues affecting you.

2. Is it still safe to visit a donor centre to donate blood?

At the SANBS, we are closely following guidelines issued by the NICD which promote healthy personal hygiene practices – both in our offices and at our fixed and mobile donor centres. We encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of fellow citizens. If you are feeling unwell or exhibiting any clinical symptoms of infection (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and shortness of breath), you are encouraged to delay donation until you are in good health.

3. Can I still donate blood?

You can still donate blood if you are feeling healthy to do so. We have, however, put in precautionary deferrals in relevant to the following groups of people:

• people who have travelled to affected countries outside of South Africa will be deferred for 21 days,

• people with confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection will be deferred for 28 days from the date of complete clearance of symptoms, and

• people who have been in close contact with confirmed or probable Coronavirus cases will be deferred for 21 days from the last date of contact.

4. Can the virus be contracted through blood?

It is important to know that there is presently no evidence to confirm that Coronavirus can be transmitted through blood.

5. Will your blood tests pick the virus up?

Diagnostic testing for Coronavirus is not conducted on blood samples. Throat swabs and sputum samples are used, in addition to other forms of imaging.

6. Can I get tested at a donor centre?

Our donor centres will not be carrying out tests for Coronavirus. These are only available at a licenced medical laboratory.

7. Who can I contact for more information?

If you feel you are at risk or fear that you may have been infected with COVID-19, urgently contact the toll-free NICD hotline on 0800 029 999.