SANBS blood stocks fall to 2.4 days as donors urged to come forward
SANBS says it has only 2.4 days of blood stock nationally, well below its five-day safety level, and is urging people of all blood types to donate.
South Africa is grappling with a severe blood shortage, with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) struggling to maintain a sufficient stock. The organization currently boasts only 2.4 days worth of blood, far below the recommended seven-day buffer. Clinical supervisor Kristen Govender urged individuals of all blood types to come forward and donate, emphasizing the critical nature of the crisis.
The shortage impacts hospitals, which rely on daily blood supplies for operations, accident victims, mothers giving birth, cancer patients, and children with anaemia. With fewer than 1% of South Africans being regular blood donors, the service struggles to meet its target of collecting 3,000 units daily. Consistently falling short of this goal puts lives at risk, as the organization only maintains a three-day supply in some areas.
Govender explained that a single unit of blood lasts only 42 days post-donation, necessitating ongoing collection, testing, and usage. Each unit can save up to three lives, as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets for various patient needs. SANBS needs donors from all blood types, as the current shortage is not a new issue but has escalated to critically low levels. If stocks continue to dwindle, hospitals may face significant challenges in supplying patients in need of transfusions.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
