Donating blood: You can save a life
Western Cape hospitals and clinics require approximately 800 units of blood each day. One person can donate 475ml (1 unit) of blood every 2 months. Your one donation can save the lives of 3 people. Donated blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
Your red blood cells can be used for patients who needed surgery or suffered complications during childbirth. Your plasma will be used to replace clotting factors in a trauma patient and your platelets can be used for a cancer patient.
Blood can’t be artificially manufactured and blood donation services such as the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) relies completely on voluntary blood donors and encourages all eligible donors to donate.
There's an urgent need for more blood donors. Unfortunately less than 1.2% of the Western Cape’s population donates blood.
The process might seem scary, but it’s simple, quick and painless. Blood donation doesn’t take more than 30 minutes, and after the process you can continue your day as normal. We tell you what to expect and break down 10 myths about giving blood.
What is a blood donation?
A blood donation is when you volunteer to give your blood to someone who needs it.
Who needs donated blood?
Whether you’re donating blood for yourself, a relative or a stranger, a blood donation is needed when:
- you’re involved in an accident and lose a lot of blood,
- you’re living with cancer or had surgery,
- you’ve had a complicated pregnancy, or
- a child has a severe case of anaemia.
6 Reasons why you should donate blood
According to WCBS there are many good reasons to donate blood which include:
1. Blood saves lives
Every unit of blood donated can be separated into its basic parts and used to help improve and save the lives of up to 3 recipients.
2. There’s no substitute
There’s no known substitute for blood and it can’t be replicated due to its complexity.
3. Blood is in short supply
While 75% of our population are potential recipients, less than 1.2% is donors, and only approximately 16 000 donors give blood more than 4 times a year.
4. It’s a good cause
Giving doesn’t get much better than this.
5. You could be next
It's not a nice thing to consider, but the fact is that you, a close friend, or a family member could well be the next car accident victim or surgery candidate requiring a transfusion.
6. The process is safe and quick
Sterile, disposable equipment is always used, so there’s no risk of infection. The entire process takes just 30 minutes, after which you can resume your daily activities. Finally, you won’t even miss the one unit (475 ml) of blood donated, because it’s quickly reproduced and replaced by your body.
You can donate blood if you:
- are between 16 and 65 years old,
- weigh at least 50kg,
- medically healthy,
- lead a safe lifestyle, and
- love helping others.
What should I expect?
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) provides a guide to help you understand the process:
- Check that you meet the donor criteria as stipulated above.
- Eat a substantial meal 3 to 4 hours before heading off to the donation clinic.
- Increase your fluid intake on the day, both before and after giving blood.
- Take your ID or donor ID card.
- Register and fill out a confidential donor questionnaire.
- The nurse will test your iron levels and blood pressure.
- The nurse will then insert a needle into your arm and begin the process.
Become a blood donor today
Breaking down the myths
Here are 10 things you may have thought were true about donating blood and the facts.
Myth: “I’ll get HIV/Aids when I donate blood.”
Fact: You cannot get HIV/Aids when you donate blood. Health care workers ensure that needles are new and sterile.
Myth: “I can’t donate blood if I have a tattoo, body/ear piercing or permanent make-up applied.”
Fact: You can only donate blood six months after you get your piercing, tattoo or permanent make-up.
Myth: “I can’t use medication before giving blood.”
Fact: It depends on which medication you are using. Always check with the nurse on duty.
Myth: “Pregnant women can donate blood.”
Fact: Pregnant women can’t donate blood. Nursing mothers can only donate blood six months after the baby’s birth, and only once they have stopped breastfeeding exclusively.
Myth: “I can only donate blood when I’m 18.”
Fact: You can donate blood if you’re healthy, weigh at least 50kg and are between the ages of 16 – 65.
Myth: “I’ll be in a lot of pain after I’ve donated blood.”
Fact: You should not experience any pain or discomfort. If you do feel pain please advise the staff on duty.
Myth: “Only certain races can donate blood.”
Fact: Our province has never used any racial profiling policies for blood donations. You can donate blood as long as you meet the donation criteria.
Myth: “I can’t eat before I donate blood.”
Fact: You should eat at least three to four hours before you donate blood.
Myth: “The donation process takes all day and I may need a day off from work.”
Fact: The entire process will take only 30 minutes of your time.
Myth: “The healthcare worker will draw a lot of blood and I will be sick after the process.”
Fact: You will donate approximately 475ml of blood and should not feel sick after donating blood. If you feel dizzy, you can lie down or sit with your head on your knees.
Where can I donate blood?
Visit any one of the permanent donation clinics to donate blood or to find out more information:
- 9 Long Street, Cape Town CBD, open Mondays to Fridays from 8:30am to 4:15pm.
- N1 City Mall, Goodwood, open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 5:45pm; Saturdays from 9am to 2:45pm, Sundays from 9am to 12:45pm and Public Holidays from 9am to 12:45am.
- Blue Route Mall, Tokai, open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 5:45pm; Saturdays from 9am to 2:45pm; Sundays closed; and Public Holidays from 9am to 12:45am
Have a look at the alternative clinics on the WCBS website.
While donors from all blood groups and communities are important, there's a particular need for donors with blood types O to donate regularly as stocks of these are more vulnerable to shortfalls. There's also a need for more black African people to become blood donors to reflect the ethnic diversity of patients.
For more information, SMS “Blood” to 33507 and WCBS will call you back with information on where to donate. You can also call (021) 507 6300 or email firstname.lastname@example.org.
Don’t forget to “like” WCBS on Facebook (WP Blood) or follow them on Twitter (@WPBlood) for interesting facts and blood stock updates.