Blood stocks at critical levels
Blood stocks in KZN are down to a critically low level of 0.9 days.
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is experiencing yet another difficult time with stock currently at a national level of 1.5 days with KZN at 0.9 days.
Almost 40 per cent of the blood SANBS collects comes from schools and universities and due to the holidays it is unable to host these blood drives. This together with many people who also take a break during this time, the blood stock levels are impacted significantly.
“SANBS needs to maintain a stock level of five days at all times by collecting 3000 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, communication manager of SANBS.
She said the organisation is appealing to the public who meet the minimum blood donor requirements, especially blood donors who may have missed a blood donation, to help boost supplies by committing to donating blood.
To be a blood donor you must weigh at least 50kg, be between the ages of 16 and 65, lead a safe sexual lifestyle, be in general good health and consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
Visit the Musgrave Blood Donor Clinic in Pardy Gardens Road, off Musgrave Road, and donate today.
