Blood bank needs to boost stock levels

BLOOD stocks countrywide remain at a critical low.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is working round the clock to boost national blood stock levels from a low of 3.6 days’ blood supply and a 0.4 day platelet level, which has left 3738 lives at risk.

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The global Covid-19 pandemic and the winter season have also had a negative impact on blood levels.

Blood donors are urged to visit their nearest blood donor clinic to help SANBS reach its daily target of 5000 collected units.

As Heritage month celebrations come to an end, SANBS is calling on everyone to celebrate something that everyone has in common – blood.

SANBS Chief Marketing Officer Silungile Mlambo said donating is a great way of knowing you may be able to give someone else more time to observe more celebratory day moments with their friends and families.

‘At a time when people are understandably focussed on staying safe and avoiding contracting the Covid-19 infection, little concern is available for much else.

‘Covid-19 restrictions have severely limited our ability to collect adequate blood stocks, particularly because we are not able to access schools, colleges and corporate for blood drives, resulting in low blood stock levels.

‘We urge you to spare 30 minutes of your time to make a life-saving difference this Heritage Month,’.

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