SANBS urges for more blood donations to save lives

Be among the changemakers and save lives by donating blood. In South Africa, only one person in about 140 donates blood regularly, this means that often the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is close to running out. This places the lives of thousands of people who need blood transfusions at risk.

SANBS aims to collect an average of 3 000 units of blood daily across the country, to keep up with the demand and have some reserve stock.

The blood service operates in eight out of nine provinces in South Africa (the Western Cape is serviced by the Western Cape Blood Service), and also provides crucial support to other countries in the SADC region.

SANBS supplies over one million blood products annually, and is rated among the top blood services in the world due to world-class testing and collection protocols, which ensure that transfused blood is always of top quality.

Who can donate blood?

Minimum requirements to be a blood donor

• Between 16 and 75 years old, for first-time donors.
• Weigh at least 50kg (55kg to donate platelets).
• In good health.
• Lead a low-risk lifestyle.
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion.
• Have had a meal less than four hours before donating blood.
• Have not donated whole blood within the last 56 days, or platelets or plasma in the last 14 days.
• Pulse is between 60–100 beats per minute.
• Blood pressure is between 100–180 systolic (first number) and between 60–100 diastolic (second number).
• Haemoglobin level is 12.0g/dl or above for females, and 13.0g/dl or above for males.

Who needs blood?

• Women who bleed due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other gynaecological complications.
• Premature babies, children, or adults with very low iron levels (anaemia).]
• Cancer patients.
• Accident victims with serious injuries.

Is blood donation safe?

Most of the time, giving blood is a simple, trouble-free, and positive experience. However, a small number of donors, less than 2%, may experience some side effects, such as:

• Bruising or a painful arm,
• Dizziness and fainting, and
• In some rare cases, nerve or tendon injuries may occur.

The blood donation process is as follows:

• You will complete a questionnaire concerning your details, medical history, and sexual lifestyle.
• This is followed by a one-on-one interview with one of the staff members who will check that you understand all the questions and the importance of giving honest answers.
• You will be required to give consent as per the donor questionnaire.
• Your blood pressure, pulse, and haemoglobin level (a measure of whether you have sufficient circulating iron in your blood) will be assessed.
• If you meet the requirements for blood donation, you will then donate about 450ml of whole blood, or 650ml of plasma.
• All blood donation needles are sterile and used only once, before being destroyed.
• Following the donation, we advise that you sit for 15–20 minutes to allow your blood pressure to settle
• Once you complete the donation, you will be provided with a mini-pamphlet called a: Thank You card.
• SANBS strongly advises that donors keep and read this card to learn ways to minimise complications post-donation.
• If you do not meet donation requirements, you will be deferred (asked not to donate for a while, or permanently, depending on the circumstances).

How often should I donate blood?

• You can donate whole blood every 56 days, platelets or plasma every 14 days.
• We recommend that donors commit to regular blood donations, at least four donations in two years.
• This helps the blood service maintain a safe and sufficient blood supply.

Valuable post-donation tips

• If you do not feel well after donating blood, or think you may be coming down with an infection, please contact your donor centre. Call our toll-free number 0800 119 031, or send an email to customerservice@sanbs.org.za
• For more information on post-donation dos and don’ts, and your next donation date, please check your post-donation Thank You card.

Places available for blood donations

Randburg

• Address: The Colony, Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park
• Email Address: customerservice@sanbs.org.za
• Telephone Number: (011) 447 6665
• Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 09:00 to 18:00 and Sunday: 09:00 to 14:00.

Fourways

• Physical Address: Forest Design and Décor Centre, Cnr Forest Road and Sunset Avenue, Pineslopes
• Email Address: customerservice@sanbs.org.za
• Telephone Number: (011) 767-9959, (011) 465-6449\Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 09:00 to 18:00 and Sunday: 09:00 to 14:00.

Greenstone

• Physical Address: Banking Court, Shop LO67, Entr 1, Stoneridge Drive, Edenvale
• Email Address: customerservice@sanbs.org.za
• Telephone Number: (011) 882-1394
• Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 08:00 to 18:00 and Sunday: 08:00 to 14:00.