Coronavirus and blood donation explained
As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of blood products, people who have travelled to high-risk areas must self-isolate for the prescribed period.
Members of the public have had numerous questions about Coronavirus, the safety of blood donation and the precautionary measures that the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has in place during this period.
The outbreak of the Coronavirus has caused a lot of questions about the risk of exposure and the effect of the virus on blood.
According to SANBS, they do not test for Coronavirus at the donor centres as diagnostic tests for Covid-19 are not done on blood, but on throat swabs and sputum samples.
Testing is currently available at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) for free, and the public can also get tested at Lancet Laboratories and at some National Health Laboratories Services facilities.
The South African Department of Health (DoH) and the NICD continue to monitor the outbreak, and the SANBS recommends preventative measures and precautions.
With Covid-19 having been confirmed in the country, people need to work together to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus among community members.
As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of blood products, people who have travelled to high-risk areas must self-isolate for the prescribed period. Persons who have travelled internationally will be deferred for 21 days, and those confirmed to be infected will be deferred for 28 days from the date of being completely clear of symptoms.
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.
If community members feel they are at risk, have come into contact with someone who has been infected or fear that they may have been infected with Covid-19, they should ask their physician for advice – telephonically.
Alternatively, contact the toll-free NICD hotlines on 0800 02 99 99 or 0800 11 11 32.
People feeling unwell or exhibiting any clinical symptoms of infection (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and shortness of breath), are encouraged to delay donation until they are in good health.
However, those who are feeling well are encouraged to feel free to donate blood and save more lives.
