All About Blood Donation

Why should you consider becoming a blood donor? WCBS needs to collect around 700 units of blood every single day to support patients across the Western Cape. To do this safely, we try to maintain a five‑day blood stock at all times.

Blood is needed far beyond emergencies. There is a constant demand for blood and blood products, which are used in many medical situations besides trauma. Blood is essential during surgeries — including cardiac, organ transplant, and orthopaedic procedures, and is routinely required for cancer patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants. It is also critical in treating chronic illnesses and blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia, haemophilia, and leukaemia, as well as for childbirth complications, premature babies, and patients with severe burns or infections.

One donation can save up to three lives because each unit of blood is separated into different components used for different patients.

There are more than 7.6 million people living in the Western Cape, but only 66,780 are active donors. To stay sustainable, at least 1% of the population needs to donate regularly.

Can I donate blood?

You can become a blood donor if:

• You are between 16 and 75 years old
• You weigh at least 50 kg for whole blood donation or 55 kg for plasma donation.
• You are in good general health.
• You live a safe sexual lifestyle.
• You are committed to helping others.

What to Do Before Blood Donation

What to Expect at a Blood Donation Clinic

• Complete a confidential donor questionnaire.
• We verify your details and check your haemoglobin levels with a quick finger‑prick test.
• Our professional nurse will conduct a private medical screening interview and check your blood pressure and pulse.
• You will then donate one unit of blood — about 475 ml.
• Afterwards, enjoy juice and cookies.
• The entire visit takes around 30 minutes, and you can donate blood every 56 days.

What to Do After Blood Donation:

• Drink plenty of water in the next 12 hours.
• If dizzy, sit with your head between your knees or lie down with your feet raised.
• Keep the plaster on for 6 hours.
• Avoid heavy lifting with your donation arm.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

If you notice bruising, swelling, or have concerns, contact the Donor Division or visit your nearest medical facility.

How Your Body Recovers

• Plasma is replaced within 24–48 hours through the fluids you drink.
• Red cells regenerate in 3–4 days.
• Iron restores in 6–8 weeks.

What Happens if You are Turned Away From Donating Blood that Day?

• There are many reasons why you may be advised not to donate on a particular day, such as having a recent illness, your haemoglobin level being too low, travel to a malaria area, the use of certain medications, or a recent visit to your dentist.
• The Professional Nurse should clearly explain the deferral reason and tell you when you can return to donate. The length of the deferral period will depend on the reason you are being turned away.
• There are some instances where you will never be able to donate blood at WCBS, such as having a previous stroke or being diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis C or syphilis.
• We don’t like turning people away from donating blood, but we have to do so if there are any concerns about the donor’s safety or there are risks to the patient receiving your blood.
• Please contact the clinic team if you would like to discuss whether you can donate blood.

Confidential Exclusion of Donations

If you realise after donating that you may not have answered the donor questionnaire accurately, or that your blood may be unsafe for transfusion, please contact WCBS as soon as possible. All concerns will be handled confidentially.