Blood stocks at the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) decline during the festive season when students go home for the holidays. More than 33% of the blood donated comes from people under the age of 26. Regional marketing manager Ivor Hobbs said the service’s blood banks relied on young people donating blood at least four times a year. "We have got a very high dependency on our youth to donate blood, the problem lies in getting those [young people] to come back and donate again," said Hobbs. Blood transfusions save the lives of people of all ages, including those with injuries, people going into surgery and patients with various illnesses such as liver disease. Four percent of the blood issued by SANBS goes to trauma patients; most of it goes to cancer and child birth patients. The SANBS reserves are now running at a stable rate with about three and a half days’ blood stock. "Once reserves decline to below two days, that’s when crisis mode hits," said Hobbs. "The number o...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.