WITH blood stocks required for life-saving transfusions running critically low the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is calling on eligible donors to roll up their sleeves and donate.
The service usually aims to maintain a stock level of at least five days and is required to collect 700 units a day.
“Currently, we only have a two-day blood supply in O+ and a three day supply in O- blood group”, said Marike Gevers, WCBS spokesperson.
“We are also facing a national O blood stock crisis due to the continuing impacts of the floods in KwaZulu-Natal.”
The flood-stricken province receives blood stock from the South African National Blood Service, but in “times of crisis”, every blood service, including WCBS, is obliged to come the rescue.
“The WCBS is committed to maintaining sufficient national blood stocks and assisting areas where there are blood shortages,” added Gevers.
The coming winter months also widens the gap between demand and supply. According to Gevers winter is always a difficult period as blood stocks tend to decline as temperatures cool.
“We would like to encourage all healthy existing and potential blood donors who fulfil the basic donor criteria to donate blood this winter and save up to three lives with one donation.
“If you are between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, lead a safe sexual lifestyle and would like to save three lives in just 30 minutes, you should be able to donate,” Gevers said.