The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is issuing an urgent appeal to citizens to donate blood, as national blood stocks have experienced a significant decline following the recent Christmas period. This dip is particularly concerning for Type O and Type B blood groups, which are currently in critically low supply, prompting SANBS to rally the community for immediate donations.

Thandi Mosupye, the senior manager of marketing, communication and brand at SANBS, highlighted that January is historically a challenging month for blood collection. This is primarily due to many regular donors traveling during the festive season, coupled with the closure or reduced operating hours of key collection sites such as workplaces and university campuses during the holiday break. Consequently, numerous patients nationwide face interruptions in their crucial medical treatments due to the scarcity of blood.

Despite these challenges, Mosupye remains optimistic that South Africans can transform this setback into an opportunity to replenish the national blood supply. She emphasizes that if donors, especially those with Type O and Type B blood groups, visit a donor centre early in the new year, the national blood supply can be stabilized quickly, ensuring that hospitals can continue to provide uninterrupted care to patients.

For those interested in becoming a blood donor, specific requirements must be met to ensure both donor and recipient safety. Prospective donors must be between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50 kilograms or more, and be medically healthy. It is also crucial to lead a safe lifestyle. To prepare for a donation, individuals should eat a hearty meal approximately three to four hours beforehand and increase their fluid intake both before and after the donation process.

Furthermore, donors must not have donated whole blood within the last 56 days. Vital signs are also checked, requiring a pulse rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute, and blood pressure readings between 100 and 180 systolic (the first number) and 60 and 100 diastolic (the second number).

Finally, specific haemoglobin levels are necessary: 12.0 g/dl or above for females and 13.0 g/dl or above for males. Adhering to these guidelines ensures a safe and effective donation process, contributing vital support to the country's healthcare needs.