VIDEO: Blood availability at critical levels
JOBURG – SANBS is appealing to members of the public to help boost supplies by committing to donating blood.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is experiencing yet another difficult time with regard to blood collections.
“Almost 40 per cent of the blood we collect come from schools and universities and, due to the holidays, we are unable to host these blood drives,” said Sini Subrayen, public relations practitioner of SANBS.
According to Subrayen, this together with vast numbers of people who take breaks from giving blood, the blood stock levels are impacted significantly.
She added that as of 8 April, the blood stock at a national level is 1.5 days and in Gauteng Province it is 1.5 days.
The organisation is appealing to members of the public who meet the minimum blood donor requirements, especially blood donors who may have missed a blood donation to help boost supplies by committing to donating blood.
“SANBS needs to maintain a 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,” added Subrayen.
In order to become a blood donor you must:
- Weigh at least 50kg
- Be between the ages of 16-65
- Lead a safe sexual lifestyle
- Be in general good health
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
According to the SANBS website, “Group O Rh negative blood can be transfused to anyone, so these donors are referred to as ‘universal donors’. Group O Rh negative patients on the other hand, can only receive group O Rh negative blood.”
SANBS also states, “Group O blood is the most versatile and adequate stocks of group O blood are vital. If for instance, group A blood is not in stock, group O blood will be used. However, all blood groups are required to ensure adequate stocks at all times.”
Visit to see where to donate blood.
Details: SANBS 0800119031.
