First time blood donor? Here’s what you need to know
The SANBS is experiencing blood shortages and encourages more people to become donors.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is always in need of blood donations.
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the country, the SANBS has noticed a decrease in the number of donors.
The SANBS is experiencing blood shortages and encourages more people to become donors.
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Should you wish to become a donor, you need to meet the following criteria:
• Must be between the ages of 16 and 65.
• Must have a body mass of at least 50kgs.
• Be free of any cold and flu symptoms.
• Must adhere to safe sexual practices.
• Must be free of diseases such as HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C.
On the day of your blood donation, ensure that you have eaten something light about four hours before you donate. This could prevent you from fainting or feeling light-headed.
Remember: By law, you may only donate every 56 days. This is done to ensure that a donor’s red blood cells have enough time to regenerate. You are allowed to donate about 480 ml of blood at a time.
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