Save a life and donate blood and platelets this April
The SANBS’ intention is to collect 3 500 units of blood per day and encourages the public and current blood donors to find time to donate blood to ensure that there is sufficient blood products.
POLOKWANE – The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is always encouraging the public to donate blood.
The SANBS’ intention is to collect 3 500 units of blood per day and therefore encourages the public and current blood donors to find time to donate blood to ensure that there is sufficient blood products so that every patient requiring a life-saving blood transfusion receives it when needed.
By donating blood, you can save up to three lives. A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation and for this reason, it is important for blood donors to donate regularly. You can donate blood every 56 days.
The SANBS also encourage the donation of platelets. Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting and prevention of excess blood loss.
The blood is processed through a cell separator, which retains the platelets and returns the other blood components to the donor’s system. This procedure enables people to donate platelets every month.
Platelet donation is a simple process that takes about an hour and a half to complete.
Visit your local donor centre to donate platelets or one of the mobile clinics do donate blood.
