This is according to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). The organisation is appealing for volunteers to donate blood over the festive season. The spokesperson for SANBS, Kensani Mahlangu, urges South Africans to develop a habit of donating blood in order for the organisation to collect sufficient blood that will ensure that in cases of emergency, blood is always available.

She explains that donating a unit of blood can save up to three lives. The donated blood unit is processed into three components namely red cells, platelets and plasma.  This process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. 

Furthermore, Mahlangu says they are currently facing a shortage of all blood stocks, but emphasises the need for blood group O, as it is a universal donor. 

Mahlangu adds that the SANBS has various measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of blood donors and patients. These measures ensure that their blood supply is among the safest in the world. 

You can donate blood every 56 days and commit to regular blood donations - this means at least four donations during a two-year period.  This will assist in ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply. 

Meanwhile, all donors belong to one of four blood groups, namely A, B, AB or O.Â.  SANBS explains, "You are also classified as either Rh positive or Rh negative. There are therefore eight different main blood groups. Not all blood groups are compatible with each other and the success of modern transfusion medicine depends on classifying and matching donors and patients correctly". 

OFM News/Blaine Jones