SECUNDA – The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is experiencing a blood shortage as people did not donate as much blood as they normally do because of the holidays.
According to Ms Vanessa Raju, Communications Manager at the SANBS, the blood availability is at a critical level.
“Nearly 40 per cent of the blood we collect come from schools and universities and we are now unable to collect this blood,” said Ms Raju.
The blood stock levels are currently at 1.7 days and the blood service must maintain at least five days of blood stock at all times by collecting 3 000 units of blood daily to meet the demand of thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival.
The SANBS urged people to urgently donate blood if they meet the minimum requirements.
The minimum requirements are you must weight at least 50kg, be between the ages of 16 and 65, lead a safe sexual lifestyle, be in general good health and consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
For more information, contact the blood service at 017 631 1652 or visit them in Horwood Street.
