LIMPOPO – Hospitals across South Africa, including those in Limpopo, rely on a steady supply of donated blood, but collections are currently falling short of the levels needed to maintain national stocks.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on eligible South Africans to donate as it works to maintain a five-day blood supply for hospitals.

SANBS needs to collect about 3 500 units of blood each day to meet demand, but current collections are below this target.

The pressure comes as fewer blood drives are being held at schools and universities during the examination period, while competing demands on donors’ time have also contributed to lower collections.

Who is needed

SANBS is appealing to three groups to come forward:

• Regular donors who are due to donate
• People considering donating for the first time
• Previous donors who have stopped donating but are able to return

The organisation is particularly encouraging O and B blood-group donors who are due to donate, although all blood groups are needed.

“O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies,” said Monique Schreiner, Senior Manager of Donor Relations at SANBS.

However, SANBS emphasises that all blood groups are welcome and needed.

“We are appealing to all eligible South Africans to make time to donate, whether you are a regular donor who is due, considering donating for the first time, or a previous donor who has not donated for some time.”

Minimum requirements to donate blood

Before heading to a donor centre, potential donors should check that they meet the basic requirements. 

What might defer you from donating

There are several reasons a person may be temporarily deferred from donating blood. 

A deferral is when a blood donor is asked to wait for a specified time before donating because they don’t qualify for donation due to various health-related issues.

Deferral from blood donation may either be temporary or permanent.

Click here for more reasons for deferrals.

Who cannot donate

SANBS also excludes donors who engage in high-risk behaviour, as this could compromise the safety of the blood supply. 

30 minutes can save 3 lives

A single donation takes about 30 minutes and can potentially help save up to three lives.

With blood stocks under pressure nationally, every donation helps maintain the supply available to patients when they need it.

How to donate

To find a SANBS donor centre or mobile blood drive, contact 0800 11 90 31 or visit the SANBS website.