Blood stocks low but not critical
Mpumalanga's blood stock is running low, according to the SANBS, yet hospitals say they have not had problems thus far.
Mpumalanga’s blood stock will currently last for 3,9 days.
“You want to be anywhere above 4,5 days,” said Khensani Mahlangu, spokesperson for the SANBS.
Though the blood stock is below the optimal level, it is higher than the current national blood stock of 3,5 days. “We are currently under pressure nationwide,” said Mahlangu.
Mediclinic Nelspruit said although blood shortages are real, they have never experienced it.
“There is a blood runner in and out of the clinic on a daily basis,” said Robyn Baard, spokesperson for Mediclinic.
“The blood bank and the hospital are constantly liaising about blood needs.”
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After blood has been donated, it first has to go through rigorous testing before it can actually be used.
Dr Stephan Basson, Lowveld regional manager of the doctor management group, ER Consulting, said he had never encountered a problem of running out of blood in the Lowveld.
One person can save up to three lives with a single blood donation.
