Durban — The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has called for donors to help boost declining blood stocks.
According to the SANBS website, the service only has 4.9 days worth of B+ blood stock and 4.1 days worth of O+ blood stock.
The SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days for each blood group to ensure sustained blood availability for patients in need. Five days is adequate stock, 3.5 days is significantly low stock and three days is critical stock.
In a statement on Wednesday, the SANBS said it is facing blood stock shortages and needs help to avoid a crisis.
“SANBS needs to collect 3 500 units of blood a day and is urgently appealing to all potential and existing blood donors that are due to donate, to visit a SANBS blood donation site and give a precious unit of blood,” the SANBS statement read.
“Each unit of blood gives patients invaluable time with their loved ones – another Christmas to remember, another summer holiday at the beach, and another birthday celebration,” it said.
The SANBS said to become a blood donor, you must:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years
- Weigh 50kg or more
- Be in good health
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
- Commit to donating blood regularly
The SANBS said those wanting to find out more about where they can donate, they should visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31. Connect with us on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
“SANBS is, furthermore, appealing to the public to make venues available for blood drives. Suitable venues include spaces accessible and open to the public. All willing and eligible donors are urged to visit their nearest mobile and fixed donor centres. If you are able to host a blood drive, visit the SANBS website and book a blood drive,” the SANBS said.
“Don’t let South Africa run out of safe blood. Donate today,” the SANBS added.
Daily News