The local branch of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urged all A and AB blood type donors to donate source plasma blood products at the blood service in Secunda or Bethal.
Source plasma is the clear pale-yellow liquid part of blood which contains proteins that help to make blood clot.
Dot Prinsloo, donor relations practitioner, said this is important when the body is injured because clots are needed to help seal blood vessels and stop bleeding.
Plasma also contains other proteins, such as antibodies, which help fight infection.
While the SANBS continues to collect whole blood, blood products such as plasma are also as important as they are used to save lives of people with rare, chronic diseases and disorders.
A and AB blood type donors who donate plasma are universal and can be given to any blood group, which creates a high demand for the blood product.
Prinsloo said regular and new donors’ commitment ensures that the lives of patients are saved.
Donors who are ready and willing to roll up their sleeves, can visit the Secunda blood service in Horwood Street or the Bethal branch near Spar.
To become a blood donor, you must be between 18 and 65 years old, weigh more than 55kg, lead a healthy lifestyle, consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient and commit to donate blood regularly.
