Where does the blood from donors go?

I have recently donated for the 58th time! I received a SMS thanking my for making a difference blah blah blah….But how much does the average South African know about donating blood? Do we simply decide on donating or not whether we feel like experiencing a bit of “fear factor” – or are we making an informed decision based on the knowledge about the importance of donating blood?

We sometimes hear the uninformed say that they will not donate because the blood is used to help people who are involved in drunken brawls and suffer stab wounds etc. This is however far from the truth!

Here is where the Blood goes:

• Medical cases: e.g. cancer treatment 27%
• Childbirth & gynaecological cases 26%
• Surgical cases: e.g. cardiac surgery 21%
• Paediatric cases: e.g. leukaemia 10%
• Orthopaedic cases: e.g. hip replacements 6%
• Research /laboratory 6%
• Casualty: e.g. trauma patients 4%

It is interesting that only 4% of the blood from donations is used for trauma. By donating you will help many more vulnerable patients –from the youngest child to the elderly grandparent!

Donate blood – it may save a life!

Also view the Arrive Alive website for info on:

• Blood Safety