Blood connects us all
JOBURG – The South African National Blood Service gives insight into what happens to your blood after you donate.
As a blood donor, have you ever wondered what happens to your blood after you donate?
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) visit explains that it starts with the pint of blood drawn from a volunteer, which then is collected in a sterile bag and correctly labelled.
The units of blood are transported to the nearest SANBS testing and processing lab. In the processing laboratory, the blood is spun down in a centrifuge and divided into different components – red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
The separate elements of blood are then tested to make sure it is safe for transfusion. Local hospitals place orders with SANBS based on their needs. Blood products are stored prior to transfusion but the shelf-life on blood is limited. Red blood cells expire in 42 days, plasma has a two-year shelf life after collection, and platelets expire in five days.
Blood is then transfused to patients in need. One donation has the potential to save three lives.
Now that winter is upon us, the SANBS anticipates that blood stocks will fall below the desired level required for meeting daily demand. To ensure that a sufficient supply of blood remains available, SANBS must collect 3 000 units of blood every day.
Donor numbers usually slump over the winter period because schools, where many blood drives take place, close for the holidays. Colds and flu are other reasons for donors being unable to donate blood.
This is one of the toughest times of the year for SANBS and so they urge all donors to honour their donation schedule and encourage their friends, family and colleagues to join them and become regular donors, especially since World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on 14 June.
“Our doors are open to members of the public who either want to start donating or simply have questions about the donation process which might seem complicated and daunting for those who have never before considered giving blood,” added Vanessa Raju, SANBS communications manager.
Details: South African National Blood Service Head Office, 011 761 9000.
