THE South African National Blood Services Durban North branch has added to its blood donation products and now also includes platelet donations.

Excited about this edition is donor relations practioner Dennis Ngongoma who said the service was long in the making for the branch and officially opened last Sunday.

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“Donors have heard that they can now donate platelets at Durban North, so a few have booked appointments and come in. We would really like to grow our platelet donors as it plays an important role in the clotting factors of the blood,” he said.

“Patients with cancer, those undergoing surgery where there has been massive blood loss, and patients with various medical problems need platelets, therefore, we encourage old and new donors to donate,” he added.

Ngongoma said platelets are in demand as each year, more and more oncology units open up, adding to the demand.

“SANBS has seen a year-on-year increase which is why we now offer this service at our Durban North Branch,” he added.

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 75 years, who weighs 55kg or more and who belongs to the blood groups A or AB, provided that they meet all the other criteria for donating blood, can donate platelets.

Before donating platelets, pre-test samples are taken to check for eligibility for the programme. Once results are released and the donor is eligible, a booking is made for the donor to be bled.

If a donor grew up in a malaria area or is a frequent visitor to a malaria area, they will not be eligible for the platelet programme, however, they can donate plasma.

Donors must not take anti-inflammatories or medication containing disprin/aspirin regularly.

The procedure takes approximately two hours through a cell-separator machine.

“The machine separates the components into red cells, plasma and platelets. The red cells are returned to the donor, and the platelets and plasma are sent to the lab for further processing,” said Ngongoma.

There are, however, precautions that donors need to take. Ngongoma says it’s pretty simple though.

“Try to avoid any fatty meals at least 24 hours before the procedure and have a meal or snack that contains protein. Also, avoid any medication that contains blood thinners, such as disprin or aspirin, for seven days prior to the donation. No anti-inflammatories can be taken three days prior, as well,” he added.

Unlike blood, which can be donated every six weeks, platelets can be donated every two weeks as the donor’s red blood cells are returned to them.

“So, you may still donate platelets if you have low iron as you will receive your red blood cells back. If you are anaemic, you cannot donate blood,” said Ngongoma.

The only side effect that the donor may experience is a tingling sensation around their mouth which is rectified by giving the donor some calcium.

“There are no known long-term effects from donating platelets, and it is not painful apart from the tiny pinch you may feel during needle insertion. The donor will not feel the separation of the products while hooked to the machine nor the red cells being returned,” he added.

To make an appointment, call 031 719 6719.

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