Your blood saves lives
Universal access to safe blood is the lifeline for the healthcare system in any nation.
Blood stocks are low, and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) needs those with O+ and B+ blood to donate.
To help patients in need, the SANBS must maintain a blood stock level of five days for each blood group to ensure sustained availability.
A unit of blood only lasts for 42 days after donation, so blood donors need to donate regularly. Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks.
Every unit of blood can save at least three lives because the blood gets separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
The SANBS aims to collect 3 000 units of blood daily to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply in the health care system.
This is the journey of one unit of donated blood. Less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors.
Who needs blood?
• Women who haemorrhage because of pregnancy and other gynaecological complications
• Premature babies
• Children with severe anaemi.
• Accident trauma patient.
• Surgical and cancer patient
Why should you donate?
Donating a unit of this “precious gift of life” saves the lives of those in need of blood. One must develop a habit of regularly donating blood. This will allow the SANBS to collect sufficient blood to ensure it is always available for emergencies.
Your blood saves lives. If there was not enough stock of quality blood, thousands of patients would die daily. When donating blood, you give patients a gift that money cannot buy, and science cannot create.
Donation Process
Donating safe blood means you are committed to a vital community service to improve the quality of life for patients needing blood transfusions.
To protect the health and well-being of donors and patients, the SANBS has various measures in place.
These measures ensure our blood supply is among the safest in the world:
• You need to complete a donor questionnaire. The questions assess your health and lifestyle to eliminate effects that could risk your health or the recipients.
• This is followed by a one-on-one interview with a nurse, who goes through the questions to ensure they are understood and the donor understands the importance of being honest on the questionnaire.
• Your blood pressure and haemoglobin (iron) levels are checked with a prick of your finger.
If you meet these criteria, you may continue. If not, you will be deferred.
How often should you donate?
You can donate blood every 56 days, and try to commit to regular donation – at least four donations in two years. This will assist in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply.
For more information, visit their website or contact the Alberton branch on 011 869 9516.
