Visit Richards Bay blood bank to boost stocks

Blood stocks countrywide are at a low 2.6 days’ supply and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is appealing for donors to boost supply as the new year kicks off.

With new year resolutions in full swing, SANBS is inviting the community to pledge to become regular blood donors as a commitment to saving lives.

Local donors are urged to visit the Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre at Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre and help bring levels to a healthy five-day supply.

Less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors, and donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks.

SANBS strives to collect 3 000 pints of blood a day, but during the holiday period they do not have access to schools, universities and corporates, which traditionally contribute to stocks.

Minimum requirements to be a blood donor:

• You are between the ages of 16 and 75 for first time donors
• You weigh a minimum of 50kg (and platelets a minimum of 55kg)
• You are in good health
• You lead a low-risk lifestyle
• You consider your blood safe for transfusion
• You have had a balanced meal within four hours of donating blood
• You have not donated blood in the last 56 days (and platelets in the last 14 days)
• Your pulse is between 60 and 100 regular beats per minute
• Your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number -180/100mmHg) and above 100 systolic (first number) and above 60 diastolic (second number -100/60mmHg)
• Your haemoglobin level is 12.g for females and 13.g for males/dL or above

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