All About Blood Donation

WCBS needs to collect approximately 700 units of blood each day to adequately meet the needs of the patients. In order to do this, we always try and maintain a 5-day blood stock supply.

There is a constant need for blood and blood products, as they are used in a wide range of medical situations beyond trauma. Blood is essential during surgical procedures — including cardiac, organ transplant, and orthopaedic surgeries — and is routinely required for cancer patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants. It also plays a critical role in managing chronic illnesses and blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia, haemophilia, and leukaemia. In addition, blood may be needed in cases of childbirth complications, for premature babies, and for patients suffering from severe burns or infections.

Each component of donated blood can be used to treat different patients with different needs, meaning that one unit of blood can save up to three lives.

There are currently 7.6 million people living in the Western Cape, and only 66,780 are active blood donors. In order to be a sustainable blood service, we need to have at least 1% of the population to be active blood donors.

Can I donate blood?

You’re eligible to donate blood if:

• You are between the ages of 16 and 75.
  First-time blood donors must be between the ages of 16 and 75. There is no upper age limit when you are expected to stop donations, provided you are fit and healthy.
• You weigh at least 50kg for whole blood donations or 55kg for source plasma donations.
  Blood volume is measured in relation to body weight; a small framed person has less blood volume than a bigger framed person. The donation of 450ml will therefore result in a significantly larger blood volume loss for a person with a small frame than for a person with a larger frame. It would therefore not be safe for individuals under 50kg to donate.
• You are medically healthy.
  Blood from a sick or medicated donor could negatively impact the patient receiving your blood. If you have questions about specific medications or conditions, please contact us.
• You lead a safe lifestyle.
  High-risk behaviours include intravenous drug use, having multiple sexual partners, and tattoos or piercings done in the past three months. We are concerned about the risk of viral infections being transmitted through these practices, so need to wait a three-month period to ensure that these infections can be detected in your blood by the tests we use.
• You are committed to helping others.
  Blood donation is one of the few things that does not cost you a cent, yet you have the profound impact of saving lives.

What to Do Before Blood Donation

Ensure you meet our donor criteria.

Eat a substantial meal three to four hours before donating blood, and increase your fluid intake before and after donation.

Find your closest blood donation clinic.

What to Expect at a Blood Donation Clinic

• Upon arrival at the clinic, you will be asked to complete a confidential donor questionnaire. The questionnaire requires you to answer questions about your personal lifestyle and medical history. You will need to complete the donor questionnaire each time you donate blood. This is done to ensure both donor and patient safety.
• After you’ve completed your donor questionnaire, we will capture and verify your details and test your haemoglobin level by means of a finger-prick test. Females’ haemoglobin level should be 12.5 and males’, 13.5.
• Once you are done, you will then proceed for your medical screening with the professional nurse. You will have a confidential interview and your blood pressure and pulse will be checked.
• You will receive your blood pack and will proceed to the donor bed where you will complete the donation process by donating one unit of blood, which is about 475ml.
• After donating you can help yourself to our delicious juice and cookies.
• Blood donation only takes 30 minutes and you can donate every 56 days.

What to Do After Blood Donation:

• Remember to increase the amount of water you drink by three to four glasses over the next 12 hours.
• If you feel dizzy, sit with your head between your knees or lie down with your feet raised.
• Keep the plaster on your arm for at least six hours after the donation.
• Do not lift heavy objects with the arm you used for blood donation.
• If there is bleeding, raise your arm, apply pressure on the needle site for several minutes, then apply a bandage to the arm.
• Do not perform strenuous exercises or participate in sporting activities after donating blood for 24 hours.
• If bruising or swelling occurs, apply a cold pack to the area and elevate your arm.

If you are concerned about bruising around the needle site, bleeding or pain in your arm, please contact our Donor Division during office hours. For after-hours emergencies related to your blood donation, please visit your doctor or closest hospital for assistance.

Your body’s recovery process

Your body will replace the plasma (that’s the liquid component of your blood) within 24 hours. The red blood cells will take three to four days to reproduce, and the iron will be replaced within six to eight weeks. If you have any more questions about the process, please visit our FAQ page or contact us.

Confidential Exclusion of Donations

If you realise after your blood donation that you did not answer the donor questionnaire accurately or honestly, or you are concerned that your blood may be unsafe for transfusion to a patient, please inform us as soon as possible. You can message WCBS using the WhatsApp helpline (060 549 7244) during weekday office hours (08h00-16h00) or email info@wcbs.org.za.

All queries will be handled confidentially and, if necessary, your donation will be removed from the blood supply.