Call for blood donations
SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times by collecting 3,000 units of blood per day.
THE South African National Blood Services (SANBS) calls on the public to donate blood.
Due to preliminary exams and preparation towards the final quarter of the year, blood drives at schools and universities are generally not possible at this time of year. Poor turnout at company and organisational blood drives has placed immense pressure on the blood stock levels.
“SANBS needs to maintain a blood 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,” said Vanessa Raju, communications manager of SANBS.
“It is only with the help of selfless blood donors that we are able to help this situation. We have implemented a cut-back approach, where we are not able to meet the request by doctors, what this means is; should a doctor request four units of blood, SANBS may only be able to offer two units, and this approach will continue until the blood stocks recover.”
The minimum blood donor requirements are: Ages between 16 and 65 years-old; weigh 50kg or more; in good health and lead a sexually safe lifestyle.
To find out where your nearest donor centre is visit www.sanbs.org.za, call toll free 0800-11-9031 or SMS your name and post code of the area you live in to 31454 and details of your nearest blood donor centre will be sent to you.
