The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is encouraging all citizens to save three lives by simply donating one unit of blood. Due to the Coronavirus disease, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) ran critically low on bloodstock, restricting SANBS staff members from collecting adequate blood stocks.
“We are doing our utmost to continue to maintain adequate blood stock levels to service the needs of our country. The high demand for blood requires that we work even harder together to ensure that no lives are lost due to blood shortages,” said Ravi Reddy, the SANBS’ Chief Operations Officer.
“While some South Africans may not be able to donate blood, they can assist us in collecting much-needed blood. In our networks of friends, families and colleagues, there will always be someone who is able to donate blood. Partner with us and lend a hand by urging healthy, eligible blood donors to donate and help prevent shortages,” added Reddy.
To donate blood, you must:
Be between 16 and 75.
Weigh a minimum of 50kgs.
Be in good health.
Lead a low-risk lifestyle.
Consider your blood safe for transfusion.
Have had a balanced meal within four hours of donating blood.
Not have donated blood in the past 56 days.
A screening test will be conducted before you donate blood to ensure that your blood pressure and haemoglobin (a red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood) levels are within a safe range.
SANBS also has a quick online quiz that you can complete to see if you can donate blood. Visit www.sanbs.org.za to take the quiz. The blood service NPO has many SANBSblood donation centres across the country, to find the location closest to you, visit www.sanbs.org.za
