The SA National Blood Service says it is short of blood as the festive season, when blood is most needed, sets in. The service said it was running short of group O blood, the universal type that could be safely transfused to patients of any blood type.
Its current stock levels were at two days, but [...]
Continue reading " Blood service pleads for festive season donors "
Earlier today I made my 5th blood donation for the year. I always look around at the people at the other donors and ask myself why they are donating. They are like myself, often people who have received blood after an accident or major operation. Before donating the donor has to complete a questionnaire with [...]
Continue reading " Are you giving blood for the right reasons? "
Donors are urged to take time out of their busy schedules to save a life Currently, SANBS had less than two-days blood stock nationally and the situation could be worse if current Group O blood donors did not come forward to give blood, the service said today.
The situation was exacerbated by a late flu epidemic [...]
A regular donor myself – I believe that if we can donate blood to save the life of another – we need to do so!!
I have found the answers to some of my questions about blood safety on a pamphlet distributed by the SANBS:
Type O blood is so special because it is the most versatile [...]
This morning I received my vampire sms – the request from the South African National Blood Services to donate blood. The message reads [translated from Afrikaans]:”Take a moment to share your warmth this winter…We need 30 units at Victorian…Your blood saves lives”
I tried to convince 2 of my road safety friends to join me on [...]
Continue reading " Why the heck have a needle stuck in my arm?! "
The South African National Blood Services provides the following explanation:
It is the time from when a person is infected with HIV or other viruses until the time when the virus can be seen or detected in blood tests.
The danger is that although a person tests “negative” during this period, the virus is still in their [...]
Continue reading " What is the Window Period for safe blood? "
The brochure from the South African National Blood Services provides more insight on the safety of blood donations.
I would like to quote from the “Blood –The Life Saver” brochure:
“You can’t get AIDS from donating blood. All needles and fingerprick lancets are new, sterile and only used once. After use, each lancet and needle is placed in a [...]
To become a blood donor you must:
• Weigh at least 50kg
• Be between the ages of 16 and 65
• Be in good health
• Lead a sexually safe lifestyle
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
• Commit to donating blood regularly
Do not give blood if your lifestyle puts you at risk…
• If you had [...]
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 [...]
