HIGHVELD – People often read about the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) promotions and get invited to donate blood, but do they really know how important it is to donate blood and what the role of the SANBS are?
Why is it essential for South Africa to have a blood bank?
The SANBS is a non-profit organisation and the key purpose of the organisation is to save patients’ lives by providing safe, sufficient and good quality blood products and medical services related to blood transfusion in an equitable and cost effective manner.
SANBS operates across South Africa, with the exclusion of the Western Cape.
Why do patients pay for blood transfusions?
The SANBS is tasked with collecting, transporting, testing and storing blood required for patients daily.
“For this reason, the SANBS has a fee for service and this is billed depending on the blood product that is required by the patient together with all other operating costs,” said a member.
It is important to note that the SANBS does not sell blood to patients, but provides a service that ensures that all government and private hospitals meet their daily blood needs.
Being a not-for-profit business, ownership of SANBS assets are not vested in its members.
In the event that SANBS should stop operating, its assets would have to be transferred to an organisation with similar goals and objectives.
Why should people donate blood?
People are encouraged to donate blood to help save the lives of patients in need of blood transfusions.
“Every unit of blood is vital and once tested and deemed safe for transfusion, is separated into red blood cells, platelets and plasma.”
Therefore a unit of blood has more than one life saving use and can save up to three people’s lives.
Research has shown that SANBS requires more regular blood donors to consistently meet the country’s demand for blood.
Regular donors are required to donate blood every 56 days, therefore donating 3 to 4 times a year.
Regular blood donors are the safest donors, simply because they become more familiar with donor requirements and gain a better understanding of SANBS’s education processes and ultimately have an awareness of what risk behaviour entails.
Minimum requirements to be a donor:
• Be between the ages of 16 – 65 years old
• Weigh more than 50 kg
• Be in good health
• Live a sexually safe lifestyle
People who meet the minimum requirements, are encouraged to become regular blood donors.
For more information, contact the SANBS at 017 631 3731.
