Blood stocks dangerously low
The blood collection agency is urging donors to visit the Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre as well as the mobile clinics across Zululand to donate and help boost the levels
BLOOD stocks countrywide have hit rock bottom as the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) only has a 2.8 day supply available.
The blood collection agency is urging donors to visit the Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre as well as the mobile clinics across Zululand to donate and help boost the levels.
With fewer than 1% of South Africans being active blood donors, a unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation and it is important for donors to contribute regularly.
Donors can give blood every eight weeks and every unit can save up to three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
SANBS aims to collect 3 000 units of blood per day to ensure a safe and sufficient supply in the healthcare system and strives to maintain a five day supply at all times.
Employers can also request to have a blood drive at their business premises for the convenience of staff members.
Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre’s Debbie Duff says first-time donors must ensure they are healthy, meaning they feel well and can perform normal activities.
‘If you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, ‘healthy’ also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control.
‘Risky behaviour, such as having sex with someone you do not know or injecting yourself with drugs, means that you have been at risk of contracting transfusion transmissible infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
‘We rely on your honesty and ask that you do not donate if you have engaged in risky behaviour.
‘You must consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient. ‘
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