NEWCASTLE KZN: SANBS branches operating amid lockdown Level 4
"...Most blood drives are recording very poor support from the public, with blood being needed every single day."
As an essential service, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) will continue with blood collections, laboratory services and other activities under Level 4 lockdown.
In a press statement, SANBS appeals to the public to remain calm, open-minded and safe by adhering to lockdown regulations, and further urges donors to continue their essential service by donating blood subject to precautions.
“Following the Level 4 announcement, most blood drives are recording very poor support from the public, with blood being needed every single day. Enough blood tomorrow won’t help anyone today.”
Residents who have received the Covid-19 vaccine may immediately donate blood, SANBS continued, provided they had no symptoms of infection and the usual blood screening tests were in order. Those who are still uncertain can also make use of the appointment system – donors can schedule a time in advance to avoid waiting times – although walk-in donors are also very much welcome.
On World Blood Donor Day (June 14), SANBS launched a new Commitment Campaign where donors receive a gift after every second donation. Any person who donates a unit of blood from now until August 14 will receive a launch gift and again after every alternate donation.
“It is therefore important to donate blood regularly, not only to keep on saving lives, but to ensure donors qualify for the many amazing gifts up for grabs. By using these branded gifts, donors are true ambassadors for SANBS, and we rely on that influence to reach more people.”
SANBS has introduced another major policy change in terms of haemoglobin cut-off levels. These levels have been reduced from 12,5 to 12,0 for females and increased to 13,0 for males. Additional laboratory ferritin tests will be done on all donors after every fourth donation.
“Ferritin tests assess the iron stores in the blood, rather than the haemoglobin that only looks at how much iron is already in circulation. With these changes, SANBS will be able to provide better donor care, resulting in many more happy years of donating blood.”
RELATED COVERAGE: Be a hero on June 14 – World Blood Donor Day
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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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