Alarmingly low blood stock levels

Blood stock levels are critical, having fallen below 1.6 days at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).

“SANBS needs to maintain a blood 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. We are concerned that should this continue we are looking at a major crisis as we head towards the festive season,” said SANBS spokesperson Sifiso Khoza.

Traditionally, the month of September is a difficult time at SANBS owing to preliminary exams and preparation towards the final quarter of the year, as a result blood drives at schools and universities are generally not possible at this time of year. This together with poor turnouts at company’s and organisational blood drives has placed immense pressure on the blood stock levels.

They have implemented a cut-back approach. What this means is; should a doctor request four units of blood, SANBS may only be able to offer two units, and this approach will continue until the blood stocks recover.

“It is only with the help of the selfless blood donors that we are able turn the situation around,” said Khoza.

Members of the public who meet the minimum requirements to give the gift of life by becoming regular donors are urged to visit us as soon as they possibly can

Minimum blood donor requirements:

* Between 16 and 65 years old

* Weigh 50kg or more

* Good health

* Lead a sexually safe lifestyle

Blood clinics are held every second Tuesday of the month at the Ballito Library from 10am to 6pm.

To find out where your nearest donor centre is visit www.sanbs.org.za, call toll free 0800 11 9031 or sms your NAME and POST CODE of the area you live in to 31454 and they will sms you details of your nearest blood donor centre.