Calls for blood donations as stocks are running low
One unit of blood can save up to three lives
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on the public to visit their local blood donor clinics as blood stocks are running low.
Blood stocks are currently at 1.8 days, while platelet stocks are at 0.4 days.
According to SANBS, less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors.
While last year was a successful one in terms of blood donations and blood stocks, which were adequate throughout the year, the new year has started on a low as stocks dropped below the ideal five days’ supply for the first time in many months.
To meet the demand, 3 500 blood donations are required every day.
One blood donation could save three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
Donors can donate blood every eight weeks.
SANBS aims to collect at least 3 000 units of blood each day and needs the public to help make this possible.
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