SANBS operations to continue under level 4 restrictions

THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is recognised as an essential service by the government and therefore, blood collections, laboratory services and related activities will continue to function, with strict covid-19 safety protocols in place.

In a statement, the blood bank said the Department of Labour has issued it with a letter of good standing in this regard.

“We appeal to the public to remain calm, open-minded and safe during these trying times. By adhering to the restricted measures announced by the president.”

“In doing so, it is important to remember that the action of donating blood remains an essential service, and may therefore proceed as usual, with all precautions followed.”

“Following the level 4 announcement, most blood drives are recording very poor support from the public, with blood being needed every single day. Enough blood tomorrow won’t help anyone today,” the statement reads.

It was further noted that a person may donate blood immediately after being vaccinated, provided they don’t have any symptoms of infection and that the usual blood donation screening tests are in order.

“SANBS does offer an appointment system, allowing donors to schedule donation appointments in advance. This is to avoid waiting times, giving donors with appointments preference, even though walk-in donors will still be more than welcome.”

SANBS launched a new Commitment Campaign on World Blood Donor Day, 14 June, where donors will receive a special gift at every second donation made. It vowed that this is not only for donors who were able to donate blood four times in the same calendar year, as was the case before.

“Any person who donates a unit of blood from now until Saturday, 14 August will receive the launch gift. Thereafter, donors will continue to receive a gift at every alternate donation.”

“It is therefore important to donate blood regularly, not only to keep on saving lives but to ensure donors qualify for the many amazing gifts up for grabs. By using these branded gifts, donors are true ambassadors for SANBS, and we rely on that influence to reach more people.”

“Another major change introduced is the new policy on haemoglobin cut-off levels. The cut-off levels have been reduced from 12.5 to 12.0 for women and increased to 13.0 for men. An additional laboratory ferritin test will be done on all donors, on every fourth donation.”

“Ferritin tests assess the iron stores in the blood, rather than the haemoglobin that only looks at how much iron is already in circulation. With these changes, SANBS will be able to provide better donor care, resulting in many more happy years of donating blood.”

For more information contact call the centre on 080 011 9031, visit www.sanbs.org.za or the new donor centre at the Bluff Towers Mall on 318 Tara Road.