Blood donation is a selfless act that can make a very important difference in the lives of patients undergoing surgery, receiving treatment for cancer or blood disorders, and those injured in accidents.

If you’re eligible, consider rolling up your sleeve to help ensure a steady supply of blood for those in need.

These are the places for you to visit around Joburg North. But before that, Gladness Sathekge from South African National Blood Service (SANBS) talks us through the checklist.

She said there are different types of blood donations which include plasma, platelets, and whole blood. Among these types, whole blood donation is the most common.

“During this donation, you donate about 500ml of whole blood. The blood is then separated into its components – red cells, plasma and platelets. Plasma donation is a similar process to platelet donation, and takes about 90 minutes.

The blood is processed through a cell separating machine that filters out the plasma and returns the red cells and other cellular components to the donor’s system.”

She said platelets play a vital role in blood clotting and prevention of excess blood loss.

“This procedure enables people to donate platelets every month. Plasma can be donated every two weeks where possible. Platelet donation is a simple process that takes about an hour and a half to complete.”

Sathekge admits that donation is one of the most precious ways to connect with the community and to give back to humanity.

She said it’s the one type of giving that holds more value than anything else for those who desperately await lifesaving blood.

“One must develop a habit of donating blood for SANBS to collect sufficient blood that will ensure that in cases of emergency quality blood is always available.

“Every unit of blood collected goes through the same stringent testing. So, it does not matter if it’s your first donation or if you are a regular donor, your blood still gets tested every time after you’ve donated.”

She said donors can donate every 56 days.